This is a complicated calculation with multiple factors. Some (possibly all) of a parent's income is not counted in determining SSI eligibility for children (and their benefit amount). Only the amount "deemed" available to the child is counted. The result is that many families of moderate means are eligible.
Since it is so complex, we encourage families to contact SSA directly and when in doubt to apply.We do not want to inadvertently discourage eligible families from applying.
What follows is a simplified explanation.
Deeming - What portion, if any, of parent's income is counted
When a disabled or blind child under age 18 lives with parent(s), and at least one parent does not receive SSI, SSA may count some of the parent’s income, or “deem” it available to the child. SSA would use the deemed amount in the calculations of the child’s financial eligibility and benefit amount.
Please read this entire section carefully. The chart below is provided for rough estimate/general information only, when in doubt we encourage parents to apply. We do not want to inadvertently discourage eligible families from applying.
Note: family's income is not "deemed" or counted if the household is on TAFDC, the child lives "permanently" away from home, or the child reaches age 18, so only the child's income would count towards SSI eligibility.
Please note: If any of the following apply the chart below CANNOT be used:
family has both earned and unearned income,
Unearned income includes child support, alimony, rental income, pensions, unemployment or workers compensation, and/or Social Security (not a complete list)
family includes more than one eligible child,
family has SSI eligible parents, or
children in the family have their own income
Before reviewing these charts please read the note above about when they are not applicable:SSI Charts 2016(see p. 4 and 7. Please read the entire page carefully- there are adjustments if the child is blind for example.)
(SSA Program Operations Manual System, or POMS, is a Social Security manual whose purpose is to instruct Social Security personnel on the interpretation to be given provisions of the Social Security Act. POMS is not law, but it is important as the Social Security Administration’s interpretation of the law. )
