What is Supplemental Security Income (SSI)?

SSI is a program administered by the Social Security Administration that provides monthly cash payments to low-income elderly or disabled individuals, including blind or disabled children. In addition, to be eligible for SSI the individual must have very few assets. For children on SSI, the Social Security Administration reduces the child’s SSI benefit by two-thirds of the amount that is paid in child support.

What is Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)?

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a program administered by the Social Security
Administration that provides monthly cash benefits to disabled individuals and families who have a significant history of working. (In very general terms, the individual must have worked five of the previous ten years.) There is no limit on the assets an individual can have and still be eligible for SSDI.

I am a non-custodial parent and I receive SSI. Will it be counted as income?

No. SSI is not counted as income when calculating the monthly child support order.

I am a custodial parent and I receive SSI. Will it be counted as income?

No. SSI is not counted as income when calculating the monthly child support order.

I am a non-custodial parent and I receive SSDI. Will it be counted as income in determining how much child support I owe?

Yes. As required under the DC Child Support Guidelines, SSDI is counted as income when calculating the monthly child support order.

My child receives SSDI derivative benefits. How is this benefit counted for child support purposes?

First, the SSDI derivative benefits count as income for the parent from whom they derive. Second, if the child’s benefits derive from the non-custodial parent, the amount of the benefits are subtracted from the obligation calculated using the Guidelines. The order is set based on the remaining obligation.
For example, if the amount of benefits is $300, and the obligation calculated using the Guidelines is $500, then the order would be set at $200. (If the derivative benefits are more than the obligation calculated using the Guidelines, then the order is zero.)

How would derivative benefits be obtained for a child if the NCP is receiving SSDI?

Contact the Social Security Administration Office  or call 1-800-772-1213. (For the deaf or hard of hearing, call 1-800-325-0778.)

Did You Know?

Generally, SSDI Payments are higher than SSI payments.
An individual may receive both SSI and SSDI.