The I-864 asks for your current individual annual income. In most cases that matches the "total income" line of your most recent federal tax return, adjusted for what you earn now. But not every dollar you receive counts, and some money you might overlook actually does. Getting this right is what determines whether you clear 125% of the poverty guidelines for your household size — check your figure any time in the income calculator.
Income that counts
- Wages and salary — reported on your W-2s and pay stubs. The most straightforward evidence.
- Self-employment income (net) — your profit after expenses from Schedule C, not gross revenue. This distinction trips up many sponsors.
- Social Security — retirement and disability (SSDI) benefits count. (SSI does not — see below.)
- Pensions and retirement income — regular distributions you receive.
- Investment and rental income — interest, dividends, and net rental income shown on your return.
- Alimony and child support received — with documentation of the order and regular payment.
- Military pay — including allowances for active-duty sponsors.
Income that does NOT count
Means-tested public benefits are excluded, because they are needs-based aid rather than income you earn:
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income) — often confused with Social Security, but it does not count.
- TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families / cash welfare).
- SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, and housing assistance.
The gray area: unemployment
Unemployment benefits are taxable and can be listed, but they are temporary by nature. Officers may decline to treat them as stable income you can rely on to support the immigrant going forward. If unemployment makes up a large share of your total, plan a backup: assets or a joint sponsor.
When your income comes up short
If the countable income above still does not reach the requirement, you have three routes: add a household member's income with Form I-864A, count assets (5× the shortfall, or 3× when a U.S. citizen sponsors a spouse or child), or bring in a joint sponsor. And if you meet the requirement but recently changed jobs, make sure you are using the right figure — see current income vs. tax return.
Frequently asked questions
Does self-employment income count for the I-864?
Yes, but USCIS counts your net self-employment income — the profit after business expenses, shown on Schedule C and carried to your Form 1040 — not your gross revenue. Using gross revenue is a common reason self-employed sponsors receive an RFE. Your tax return transcript is the primary proof.
Does Social Security count as income for the Affidavit of Support?
Yes. Social Security retirement and disability (SSDI) benefits count as qualifying income. Show your annual SSA benefit statement. Note this is different from SSI (Supplemental Security Income), which is a means-tested benefit and does not count.
Does unemployment count for the I-864?
Unemployment benefits are taxable income and can be listed, but because they are temporary, officers may not treat them as stable income you can rely on going forward. If unemployment is a large part of your total, expect questions and consider a joint sponsor or assets as backup.
What income does NOT count for the I-864?
Means-tested public benefits do not count: SSI (Supplemental Security Income), TANF (cash welfare), SNAP/food stamps, Medicaid, and housing assistance. These are excluded because they are needs-based aid, not income you earn or receive as support.
Can I add my spouse or household member’s income?
Yes. A household member — such as a working spouse, parent, or adult child — can add their income by signing Form I-864A. Their income is combined with yours toward the requirement, as long as they were listed on your most recent tax return or have lived with you for the last six months.