New Jersey parents who have a child who is disabled will often have questions about Supplemental Security Income. Understanding how parental income and resources are deemed when the decision is made whether the child can get SSI-related benefits is key. A disabled child under age 18 who has working parents might still be able to get SSI benefits. The Social Security Administration will assess the parental income and resources before making its decision. This is a foundational aspect of the SSA’s decision.
There will be deeming when the parents have income and resources, and if the child is under 18 and lives with the parents or lives away at school but is home for weekends, holidays, when there are school vacations and the child is under the parents’ supervision. Deeming will be applicable even if there is a stepparent in the household.
Deeming will calculate some income and resources, but not all of them. The following will not be deemed: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families; a pension from the Department of Veterans Affairs; foster care payments if the child is ineligible; general assistance; and income that is for court-ordered support. Resources that are not deemed are: a residence; a vehicle used for transportation; and money that is in a pension fund. If there is deeming, there will only be a portion that affects the child.
When the child turns 18, deeming will cease. If a child was not eligible for SSI due to deeming, they may be able to get SSI after turning 18. A child who meets the criteria to get SSI benefits could be subject to deeming of the parents’ income and resources. Understanding the rules of deeming for a child under 18 is imperative. Parents who do not realize their child can get SSI even if they work or have resources could be missing out on benefits for their children. A legal professional who is experienced with Supplemental Security Income can help with all aspects of the case.
Source: ssa.gov, “Spotlight On Deeming Parental Income And Resources — 2017 Edition,” accessed on Dec. 4, 2017