Tag Archive for: SSI

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.

Click here to read more about income for support.

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SSD vs SSI

Social Security benefits may count as income depending on the nature of the benefits be received. For that purpose, it is important to differentiate the types of Social Security benefits to ensure an appropriate support calculation. Social Security disability (SSD) benefits are counted as income. The disability payments are meant to replace the income the recipient would have received if they had not become disabled. Essentially, disability payments have been pre-paid by the recipient during their employment. Accordingly, the recipient must have a sufficient earnings history, or in other words have paid social security long enough, to be eligible for payments.

In addition to the recipient receiving a benefit, their children can also receive a derivative benefit. The derivative benefit can be set up to be paid directly to the primary custodian of the children if the recipient does not exercise primary custody. Disability payments are retroactive to the date the disability was established so there could be a lump sum payment initially. Both the amount received by the recipient and the amount on behalf of the children as a derivative benefit should be factored into in support calculation.

Social Security income (SSI) is not be considered income for purposes of a support calculation. SSI is a federal means-tested benefit. It operates as more of a welfare benefit similar to cash assistance or food stamps. 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 the parent is otherwise capable of working, income from employment can still be considered for a support award.

Click here to read more on calculating child support.

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