Does FAFSA count Social Security Disability as income if I don't file taxes?

Yes, you do need to report Social Security Disability income on your FAFSA, even though it isn't taxable. You'll report it as untaxed income in the 'Additional Financial Information' section. When you indicate that you didn't file taxes (which is correct if you're below the filing threshold), the form should then guide you to sections where you report other income sources like SSDI. This income doesn't get taxed, but it is considered when calculating your SAI (Student Aid Index) for financial aid purposes.

OMG the exact same thing happened to me last year!! I got selected for verification because I didn't report my dad's social security right. It was a NIGHTMARE trying to get it fixed and I almost lost my financial aid package!!! Make sure you go back and check every single screen of the application!

I just went through this process with my mom who's on SSDI. On the FAFSA, look for a section called "Untaxed Income" or something similar. That's where you need to report disability benefits. They definitely count it as part of your financial picture even if it's not taxable income. The system is honestly terrible for people on fixed benefits.

When I filled out the FAFSA for my son I put my SSDI in the untaxed income section and he still qualified for a decent aid package. Just be honest about it because they can verify with SSA.

not to go off topic but has anyone actually gotten through to a human at FSA lately? i've been trying for 3 days and keep getting disconnected after waiting for like an hour. they need to fix their phone system!!!

I work in a financial aid office. SSDI is considered untaxed income for FAFSA purposes and MUST be reported. In the 2025-2026 FAFSA, you'll find this in Question 41 under the Income Information section. It specifically asks for "Untaxed Social Security benefits" which includes SSDI. If you skip this, your SAI will be calculated incorrectly and you'll likely get selected for verification later.

Be super careful with the new FAFSA system!! It's different from previous years and sooooo confusing. My sister is also on disability and they made her upload like 5 different forms to prove her income even though she doesn't file taxes either. The whole system is ridiculous!

To add some clarification: SSDI and SSI are treated slightly differently. SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is reported as untaxed income on the FAFSA. SSI (Supplemental Security Income) used to be excluded from FAFSA calculations, but with the new FAFSA Simplification Act, it's now also reported as untaxed income. The key is to report ALL income sources accurately, then let the formula do its work. If you're selected for verification, you'll need to provide documentation from the Social Security Administration showing your benefit amount.

For verification purposes, you'd want your SSA-1099 form (Social Security Benefit Statement) or a benefits verification letter that you can request from the Social Security Administration through your my Social Security account online. Having these ready will save you time if you get selected for verification.

I hate how the FAFSA makes this so complicated. My husband is on SSDI and I'm in school, and the financial aid office told us different things than what the FAFSA instructions said. We ended up having to file an appeal to get my aid adjusted because they counted his disability benefits but didn't account for his medical expenses. Definitely talk to your school's financial aid office if your aid offer seems wrong.

Thanks everyone for your help! I went back into my FAFSA and found the untaxed income section (Question 41) and properly reported my SSDI benefits. I also requested a benefit verification letter from my SSA account just in case I get selected for verification later. This forum has been incredibly helpful - I feel much more confident now that I'm reporting everything correctly!

Great to see you got everything figured out! Just wanted to add for anyone else reading this thread - if you're on SSDI and worried about how it will affect your aid, remember that the FAFSA has income protection allowances and other factors that help account for basic living expenses. While your disability benefits do count as untaxed income, the formula isn't designed to penalize people on fixed incomes as harshly as it might seem. Also, don't forget to check if your state has any additional aid programs specifically for students with disabilities - many do!