In general, no. If you are an adult receiving regular or periodic child support for your child, those payments would not affect your own eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This is especially true when the payments are made under a court order, because the support is not considered earned or unearned income for you. You can learn more about how the Social Security Administration (SSA) treats income on the SSA’s SSI income page.
How Child Support Affects a Child’s SSI Benefit
When the SSA determines a child’s monthly SSI benefit, program rules under the Social Security Act exclude one-third of the child support payment received from the absent parent from countable income. The rest of the payment is subject to the $20 general income exclusion, and whatever is left reduces the child’s monthly SSI benefit dollar for dollar.
What Counts as Income for SSI?
The SSA defines “income” broadly as “any item an individual receives in cash or in-kind that can be used to meet his or her need for food or shelter.” 20 C.F.R. § 416.1102. The SSA breaks income into four main types: earned, unearned, in-kind, and deemed. You can read more on the SSA’s SSI Income page.
Questions About Your Income and Your Disability Case?
Keller & Keller is ready to answer your questions about any income you’re receiving and how it could affect your disability case. Call Keller & Keller Injury Lawyers at 1-800-2-KELLER for a free evaluation today.
