Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program designed to provide financial assistance to disabled children who come from low-income families. This program is funded by the federal government and provides financial assistance to those who qualify. In order to receive SSI benefits, the child must meet the eligibility criteria and be considered disabled. One of the factors that determines eligibility for SSI benefits is the income of the child’s parents or guardians. In this article, we’ll explore how much a parent can make for a child to get SSI benefits.
What is SSI?
Before we dive into the income limits for SSI benefits, let’s take a moment to understand what SSI is. SSI is a needs-based program that provides financial assistance to people with disabilities, including children. SSI is designed to provide for basic needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as other basic needs like medical care and transportation.
Eligibility for SSI
To be eligible for SSI, a child must meet several criteria, including being under the age of 18 and having a physical or mental impairment that severely limits their ability to function. The impairment must be expected to last for at least 12 months or result in death. The child must also not be able to earn more than a certain amount of income each month.
Income Limits for SSI
The income limits for SSI are based on the federal benefit rate (FBR), which is set annually by the Social Security Administration (SSA). For 2023, the FBR is $794 per month for an individual and $1,191 per month for a couple. If the child’s parents or guardians have income that exceeds these amounts, the child may not be eligible for SSI benefits.
However, it’s important to note that not all income is counted when determining eligibility for SSI benefits. Some forms of income, such as food stamps or housing assistance, may not count toward the income limits. Additionally, the SSA allows for certain exclusions and deductions that may lower the countable income of the child’s parents or guardians.
Deeming of Income
When determining eligibility for SSI benefits for a child, the SSA may also take into account the income of the child’s parents or guardians. This is known as deeming of income. The SSA will look at the income and resources of the child’s parents or guardians to determine whether the child is eligible for SSI benefits.
The amount of income that is deemed to the child depends on the income of the parents or guardians. The SSA will take into account the number of people living in the household and the amount of income earned by the parents or guardians. The higher the income of the parents or guardians, the less the child will receive in SSI benefits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, SSI benefits can provide much-needed financial assistance to disabled children from low-income families. To be eligible for SSI benefits, the child must meet certain criteria, including having a physical or mental impairment that severely limits their ability to function and not being able to earn more than a certain amount of income each month. The income limits for SSI are based on the federal benefit rate and are subject to certain exclusions and deductions. The SSA may also deem the income of the child’s parents or guardians when determining eligibility for SSI benefits. It’s important to note that the rules surrounding SSI benefits can be complex, so it’s always a good idea to consult with a qualified professional for guidance.
