Parents in Florida who have a child who is suffering from a disability that can meet the requirements to receive Supplemental Security Income under the Social Security disability program often wonder how their own employment and salary will affect the child’s benefits. Seeking SSD benefits can be complicated and it is important to fully understand everything that goes into a case, especially when it comes to income. The Social Security Administration will take into account the income and resources the parents have available for the child and it can have an influence on whether the child can receive SSI and the amount the child can get.
When the SSA examines the income and resources of the parents, it is known as “deeming.” Deeming will be applicable if the parents have income and resources that must be taken into account. In addition, the status of the child will be considered. The child must be under the age of 18. The child must also either live at home with the natural or adoptive parents or live away at school but return home on holidays, weekends or vacations from school and is under the parents’ control during those times.
Stepparents are also subject to the rules of deeming just as biological or adoptive parents are. Deeming does not count all income and resources. If, for example, the parents are receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, this is not counted. If there is a pension for veterans, income for child support payments and general assistance, these are not calculated under deeming. Resources that are not deemed include a home, a vehicle that is used for transportation and money that is in a pension fund. With income and resources that are deemed, there will only be part of it deemed to the child.
Deeming will cease the month after the child turns 18. Because of that, if a child was not able to receive SSI due to the deeming process, it might be available after the child turns 18. Parents who have a disabled child need to be fully aware of the federal regulations when it comes to SSI. A legal professional who is fully knowledgeable about disability benefits for a child and the requirements can help with a claim.
Source: ssa.gov, “Spotlight On Deeming Parental Income and Resources — 2016 Edition,” accessed on May 2, 2016
