Supplemental Security Income
Supplemental Security income (SSI) is cash assistance to individuals who are disabled or over 65 years old. SSI can be payable to disabled children as well. Living arrangements may affect the amount of SSI received. You should report changes in living arrangements to the Social Security office. Similarly, relationship status may affect the amount of the benefit received. For example, the amount may be decreased following marriage depending on the income of the new spouse. If marrying another individual who receives SSI, the benefit may be converted from an individual benefit to a couple’s benefit.
Any other income or windfalls may also affect the payment. The changes may be temporary in the event of a one-time payment or more permanent in the event of employment. Payments may increase every year to account for cost of living adjustments. SSI is not be considered income for purposes of a support calculation. This is because SSI is a federal means-tested benefit. It operates as a welfare benefit. It is not meant to replace lost earnings but instead to provide some income to disabled people who would otherwise be poverty-stricken. Even though SSI cannot be considered, if a party is otherwise capable of working, income from employment can still be considered for a support award.
