How are child support payments treated on behalf of SSI children?

To treat child support payments made on behalf of an SSI child: When an eligible child receives child support payments (including arrearage payments), the payments are unearned income to the child. When an absent parent makes a child support payment for an eligible child, exclude one-third of the amount.

Is there a way to exclude child support from SSI?

This policy brief analyzes several options for increasing the SSI exclusion for child support. Excluding all child support from countable income would benefit all children who receive child support but would raise equity issues by allowing some individuals with higher income to receive a higher SSI benefit.

Can a court garnish your SSI if you are behind on child support?

While SSI isn’t garnished for outstanding taxes and debts, the court can garnish it for child support non-payments. For this reason, it’s important not to fall behind on your child support payments.

When is child support considered unearned income by SSA?

If the child lives in a household and receives child support payments from a parent in that same household, do not consider the parent absent. The support is unearned income (type “SS”) to the child.

What happens to your child support if you get a disability?

However, it’s important to note they use your current income to calculate how much child support you owe. If that goes down (because disability benefits are usually less than wages you earn while working), you may be able to modify your child support agreement. If so, it should lower your child support payments going forward.