How much income can parents have before their children no longer qualify for Supplemental Security Income benefits?
Disabled children can qualify for benefits under the Supplemental Security Income (“SSI”) program, which is administered by the Social Security Administration, depending: (1) on the nature of their disabilities; (2) on how much income they have (if any); and (3) on their available resources. Children’s “available resources” include the income (and assets) of their parents and guardians. Therefore, many parents and guardians of disabled children wonder how much income they can have before their children no longer qualify for SSI benefits.
The Social Security Administration (“SSA”) defines a child as someone who is not married; is not head of a household; and is under age 18, or is under age 22 and regularly attending school. This discussion only applies to SSI benefits for disabled children, as the SSA defines the terms “disabled” and “children.”
1. Nature of disability. According to the definition established by the applicable laws and regulations, a child is “disabled” if the child “has a medically determinable physical or mental impairment, which results in marked and severe functional limitations, and which can be expected to result in death or which has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than 12 months.” In other words, a child is disabled for purposes of SSI benefits if the child has a very serious medical condition that will last (or has lasted) for at least one year. For example, a child who suffers from cystic fibrosis could qualify for SSI benefits. A child with a minor broken leg, but who did not otherwise have a serious medical condition, would probably not qualify.
2. Child’s income (if any). In terms of a child’s income, a child may not earn more than $1,000.00 per month from employment and still qualify to receive SSI benefits (in 2011; the limit on a child’s total monthly income changes every year). On the other hand, a child who is unemployed, or who is employed but earns less than $1,000.00 per month (in 2011), would meet the income limit.
3. Income and resources (i.e. assets) of parents or guardians. The determination of a child’s eligibility to receive SSI benefits also takes into account
Income, in this context, comes in two varieties: “earned income” and “unearned income.” Earned income consists of “wages from employment, net earnings from self-employment, certain royalties and honoraria, and sheltered workshop payments.” Unearned income consists of money received from other sources, “such as Social Security benefits, pensions, state disability payments, unemployment benefits, interest income, and cash from friends and relatives.” Some income is exempt and does not count toward the applicable limits. The following chart illustrates the income limits currently applicable in many (but not all) circumstances.
Number of Ineligible Children in Household | All Income is Earned | All Income is Unearned | ||
One Parent in Household | Two Parents in Household | One Parent in Household | Two Parents in Household | |
0 | $2,821 | $3,495 | $1,388 | $1,725 |
1 | $3,158 | $3,832 | $1,725 | $2,062 |
2 | $3,495 | $4,169 | $2,062 | $2,399 |
3 | $3,832 | $4,506 | $2,399 | $2,736 |
4 | $4,169 | $4,843 | $2,736 | $3,073 |
5 | $4,506 | $5,180 | $3,073 | $3,410 |
6 | $4,843 | %5,517 | $3,410 | $3,747 |
By “resources,” the SSA essentially means property. For instance, resources include bank accounts, cash, life insurance, real estate, stocks, U.S. savings bonds, vehicles and other property belonging to a child’s parents or guardians that could be exchanged for cash and used for food or shelter. Some resources, such as a home, household goods and personal effects, and money in pension funds, are exempt and do not count toward the applicable limits. Currently, the applicable resource limit (for non-exempt resources) is $2,000 for a single parent or guardian, and $3,000.00 for a couple.
To summarize: A disabled child’s eligibility for SSI benefits depends upon the nature of the child’s disability, the amount of income that the child earns (if any), and the income and resources available to the child—including resources available through parents and guardians. Regarding the resources of parents and guardians, the limits vary from case to case depending on the circumstances. The income limits listed in the foregoing chart, and the resource limits discussed above, might or might not apply in a specific situation because of the many rules and regulations, as well as exemptions, that govern SSI eligibility for disabled children. If you are the parent or guardian of a disabled child and would like to learn more about SSI eligibility, then talk with a lawyer with experience dealing with Social Security issues.
Is there anyway to legally hide or move income so that my child can qualify for SSI? For instance, cam my husband and I set-up a special needs trust from our child so that she can get SSI. What if my mother, her grandmother, adopted her? Could she draw off of my mother’s SSI and receive her on benefits at the same time?
No you can not legally cheat the system
I have four children, three with a disability. I am married and together before taxes we make 6200 a month. Do we qualify for any SSI benifits??? I can cut down my hours ( I work part time at two jobs) if that would mean more benefits. One has Austism, one with ADHD with Asperger Syndrom and one with CP.
Can ssi cut my son off of his ssi due to him getting 178.00 in childsupport and me getting 300.00 in welfare? The lady at the Social Security Office Ssi is telling me it is based on his income.
Hi There,
I have three disabled children. One with bi-polar disease, one with autism and ine with mood disorder and ADHD. We make a gross of 5000 a month and a net of 3600. Does my income preclude my kids from getting SSI?
I have two kids with developmental disability my self and my wife bring in the gross of 4000 a monthand a net of 3500 a month. Will this effect my cheldren ssi we are a family of six?
my daughter was just diagnosed with developmental disabilities does she qualify for social security?
I have a family of five, my husband an 18 yard old full time student, a 7 year old and an 11 year old disabled boy together me and my husband make 3112 a month does my child qualify for ssi?
a little over 2 years ago my son was granted ss disability for his autism from one of the doctors through social security right before he recieved his check i was told that he no longer qualified due to his dads income (now keep in mind we are a one income household ) a few months ago dad moved out he pays the rent $1200 per month and light,gas & electric as volunteer child support i recieve no cash from dad and i have 4 other minor children 2 of them are his (three total) i have proof he no longer lives there,does my son now again qualify for ssi
Hey my son and my daugther has a disabitily but they already draw ssi..I was worring can i draw ssi cause I be depression and I cant sleep or eat and I also have mood swing..i have not work seens 09 really and i just sit at home all the time feeling sad
we r 4 in family husband wife and one boy and one girl both r speech delay and son is having exema atopic dermatatis i want to know he will be eligible and how much is your income limit to qualify
@rakhee-speech delay and eczema are not terms to receive SSI u will only b wasting time.
@Amanda B.-If u apply for SSI due to depression u will most likely b on a waiting list upto 2 yrs and then denied.
@Gabriella-Define developmental disabilities?
My sons’ ssdi was recently cut off due to my husband and I bringing home $3516.00 prior to taxes monthly. We are a family of four and according to what I’ve found the total allowed monthly income is $3832.00.
Message: My son was diagnosed with a seizure disorder and pdd. He’s been receiving ssdi for about two years. My husband (his step father) is listed on all of his ssdi paperwork as his father and now they are saying we bring home too much money monthly prior to taxes. we bring home $3516.00 and according to the charts since we have another child we are allowed to bring home $3832.00 monthly.
I am a disabled veteran receiving disability from the V.A. I have 3 children with autism. Because of my disability payments from the the VA and SSI my wife and I cannot live together while our children receive SSI. They said we make to much money. I am physically unable to work and my wife takes care of the kids. We currently live in Arizona. Is California just as strict with this siutaion? What can we do to live together again?
i shared land with my brothers ,but the land is in my brother named since i share the land with them SSI saying it count income for me ,is denying my son disability claim because i shared it with them,i cant do anything with it.
Bob^^ I think that living together as a family is more important than getting SSI money. I would just not get the kids SSI and get their medical and special needs help through their Medicaid and public services. Getting more money is not as important as staying together as a family unit.
I recently adopted my nephew that had been in foster care for many years. I wanted my family together! I make around $1000 every 2 weeks but have debt that is quite a lot more than what i make. My son does get a check called a subsidy for $980 a month. we are making it but do not have enough left to get some of the treatments he needs for his disability. What can I do? I was denied for Disability for him because they said I make too much money.
I have 8to children. 4 receive Ssi. I work making 1400.00 a month. Do they still qualify?
I have 7 kids 2 of them receive SSI each 710 a month & now I’m working making 1,100.00 a month. Im the only parent in the household & these are the only incomes coming in the home. I wanted to know will my kids still be eligible for their SSI .
My 15 year old son who has PDD and Bipolar Disorder has been receiving SSI disability since he was 9 yrs old. My husband (not his bio father) and I just got married and have 2 children in common who are not disabled. He earns approximately 3200-3500 per month and we were wondering if this would now affect my sons SSI checks once he returns home from the Residential group home that he is in. And if so will he loose it all together or by how much will it be reduced to. When he was home he was receiving $698 monthly and 22 from the state of PA. Thanks Mia
I have a son with adhd and one with diabetes. my wife brings home approx 570 a week after taxes and i get 770 from va disability. will they apply. My son with adhd is not my wifes she is step mom
I have a child who has mood disorder and ADHD will she quilifie for SSI?
Hello, I am a mother of 3 boys. My oldest lives with his grandparents and receives SSDI for his schizoeffective disorder and PTSD. My middle son (step son toy husband whom brings home the bacon) has been seeing the same doctors as my oldest for his problems. He has major anger issues and moments of “HIGH” and “Low”. I would like to apply for SSDI for him. My husband is the only one working bringing in about 3600.00 before taxes and I receive $132.00 in child support for my oldest son which I give to my parents because he lives there. Will my middle son qualify for SSDI? Thank you for your help in advance.
My grandson recieved ssi, will that be taken into account for my son paying child support?
I have two children through a guy who is suppose to pay 405 dollars a month in childsupport, he has not paid in almost two years and is around 8000 dollars behind, he is suppose to get disability this month and child support recovery told me that i had to see if my kids qualified for social security since their father is suppose to be getting disability, how mush am i suppose to get for my kids and will he have to pay his back childsupport out of pocket or will ssi pay for that to
hello I am NOT able to get SSI for my son I am being denied because of my income I make 2600 dollars after taxes every two weeks
I have legal custody of my grandson he gets SSI He just started living with his dad he makes $22.00 an hour. would my grandson check go to my son now.
I am a single Mom with two children who currently get SSI for their severe disabilities. How much money am I allowed to earn and still get their maximum benefit? I am only able to work while they’re in school and am going to take another part-time job to make ends meet if it means they’re benefits will not be cut. I live in Maine if that matters.
my son was recently diagnosed with adhd and odd, i applied for medicaid for him because i am paying 200$ a month in his dr. expenses, but I was denyed for making 1500$ per month , what can i do to fight the system ?
Can I purchase a house with my mother, that she is paying the down payment and not affect my sons SSI who is autistic?
I have just adpoted my grandson after two years of courts can I get adoption subsidy?
My eleven year old daughter gets ssi and my son is about to receive it himself my question is prior I was only aloud to make 2000 a month before they took some of her ssi now that I arm going to have two on it does that bring the income guideline up? And was thinking of having my bf move in. Do they count his income. Keep in mind he is not either child father.
I have a 3 yr old who has Autism and ADHD I have only worked for a year and half. Im currently not working but I get child support for him $139.00 plus $25.00 in arrears. I want to start working again. Will the child support and my income affect him qualifying for SSI benefits?
my 7 yr old son has diabetes can he get ssi ?
My husband and gross $2834 together and we only have one child and she receives SSI will they stop paying. we use to make $1000 less than we do now
I was wondering what the income limit for a family of 7 is to qualify for ssi I have 5 children with needs they qualify medically but I was wondering about financially I was wondering if 3,000 a month would put us over the limit because I can’t seem to get answers from any one
I make 1800 a month in unemployment and my son is Autistic and has ADHD.. will he qualify for ssi?
My granddaughter receives ssi. How can I find out how much she receives so I can see if her mother is withholding funds from her and giving them to her boyfriend in prison. She is only paying 200 on her school bill. Should we get a lawyer or is this information available
Will my spouse affect my child from getting SCSI if his income is about 1,500 every two weeks considering all bills and everything else is being paid out of his income. We have a household of five. Two adults and three kids. My younger son was premature and has bad asthma that requires him to take a lot of medications and hospitalized a lot. He also have sicklcell trait
My husbands mother passed away years ago, his father is remarried and lives in the house. My husband and I live at other address with disabled daughter on ssi, does my husband share in home that we can’t touch really count as a resource ? We are in Louisiana.
I have two daughters and my oldest was born with Pierre Robin or Robane syndrome meaning she’s on a Trach and G-tube. My husband lives with us. We’ve been so stressed out because just for one month that has five weeks means we get paid more just for that one month. Now All of my daughters benefits are gone for that month so she gets no insurance and she was just in the process of having surgery to get better but because they took her insurance away there’s no medical supplies and no nurses which she needs. So I apply for Medicaid and Chips at least the month that she won’t be insured but the process is 45 days. Meaning she wont get help until then. And everybody who has worked with her is accusing us of child neglect ion because she doesn’t have what she needs. It worries me because its been getting fresh outside meaning winter is near and she tends to get sick of her lungs and there’s no help. I tried going to Medicaid office they just send me home because they say everything to be done by computer. It’s hard because we have a suction machine which is a life support for her, cathers that we need and O2 tank for emergency which there has been a lot of them, feeding pump which requires feeding bags, HME filters for her trach and more supplies that we need for her. It’s not even the money I’m asking for help it’s just the insurance that we need help in. SS office said this will happen two or three time a year because they have five weeks in them. So what do we do then so there wont be a gap that my daughter is not insured. My husband is a very helpful man and his daughters are his princess and seeing this happen makes us feel like horrible parents. Anybody who know us, know that we try to give our daughters the best we can. Is there a process for those months that she don’t qualify to do so this wont happen again. Here in Texas.
If i work part time does my income have anything to do with the amount of disability my son gets for autism? If i dont work will he get more money each month?
Hi, me and my husband make 3600 a month and my son can not get SSI because they said we make to much money. we have two kids, my son has MD.
The income guidlines and chart says number of ineligible children therefore If you have 5 kids and 3 get ssi your income can not exceed the amount for single with 2 kids or married with 2 kids.
Does that chart above list the income limits AFTER SSI’s resource deductions ( the $65 they don’t count, the 1/2 of the income they don’t count, etc) or is it before?
I have six children one who was just awarded ssi. I gross $3100 a month… Is my income too high for my son to continue to receive ssi? Answers please!
I have a family of eight. 1 of my 6 kids currently gets ssi. I am starting work and our total gross income will be $5220 a month. Will we make too much money to continue getting SSI? My son has Spina Bifida, hydrocephalus, Arnold chiari and many more diagnosis.
I have a 10 yr old with cerebral palsey and I’m a single mother she’s permanently disabled and only gets 496 a month how am I suppose to take care of her with little money.
I have two children one is disabled and currently receives benifits. I’m looking into a possible job that i could make about $2000 a month if I get. I’m wondwrong how this will affect his benifits. Single parent
Can anyone tell me if it is legal for my child who does get SSI ($771 monthly) to also get child support of $159 monthly? Can I get his child support modified to more? In WV
My grandsons has autism can’t daughter file for SSD for them her husband works but she doesn’t they own their home but has 3 cars
my son was approved for ssi . I am a working parent who incomes is 1,000 a month will he still gets the whole check from ssi
my husband I have a total monthly income before any deductions of $2,937 and have a child aged 7 with intellectual disabilities and is speech and language impaired and he is 2 older siblings. will he qualify? it just seems like such a hassle to go through without knowing if there is a chance you qualify or not before wasting a lot of our time
I have a child with Cystic Fibrosis and I work 40 hours a week at $24 a hour..I take care of my girlfriends expenses , my girlfriends 3 year old daughter from a previous relationship and my 1 year old with Cystic Fibrosis and also have another on the way….Due on March 30th, can I still receive disability for my daughter that has Cystic Fibrosis considering I pay all expenses, no money from girlfriends baby’s father because he is in jail….I am struggling paying bills for a house, clothes, food, car, insurance, Electric, water, gas, gas for my vehicle and days off for Medical check ups for my daughter that has Cystic Fibrosis . I make $24 a hour × 40 hours a week which when you break it down it us nor alot of money considering it is cheaper to h Ave her stay home with my daughter for her treatments and etc. It leaves me with little to no money weekly…I take care of all expenses and would like the check to be made out to me because I control all the money…Is it possible to get disability for her ? Even though I work, After taxes I only bring home $720 dollars a week so about total of $2860 to $2900 a month so for expenses for me, my girlfriend, her 3 year old, my 1 year old and the one due in March…Can anyone give me any advice to what to do, It would be a large amout of weight of my shoulders for the help from disability. ..If anyone can help please comment… I love my family and want the best for them. Thank you, a k so if it matters I live in Maryland. ..
I have three children and I’m the only adult in the house. Two of my son’s receive disability I need to know how much can i make a year with my son’s still receiving their disability.
My son receives ssi of 550 a month an Child support fo r 596 that’s for two kids an I’m needing to work. How many hours an How much money an I able to make?
We got custody of my husband grandson he is 2 /12 and found out he is disabled and want to sign him up on ssi will they count our income against his ?
I am a single mom with 2 kids. My youngest has CACC and CP and has been getting SSI for a few years. I recently got a new job and before taxes make $1800.00 a month and receive $388.00 in Child Support for both kids. They recently lowered my daughters SSI by more then $200. Why?
@Tara It is likely because you’re now making more money than when you applied for and starting receiving SSI benefits for your daughter.
I am a single mother and unemployed because I have a 3 month old baby and an Autistic 10 year old son on medicaid. Does he qualify for S.S.??
My son is receiving ssi of 733. Im working now making between $1700-$2000 a month. I also have a daughter thats not getting any benefits. Will they lower my sons check? Im struggling now. Time taxes are taken out i can barely pay rent.
I have 3 children one which is on SSI (653.00 a month she gets now) and my husband is on SSDI (1200 a month) i am grossing 920 a month will my daughter still be able to stay on SSI??
Me and my husband both get disability. Our 2 kids draw from us. One of our children has severe health problems and was told to apply for disabilty too. Will he get a check and the insurance also?
My son has heart disease , and hes 1yr old
Im not working … And my husband gets paid 1,404
A month . will i be qualified to recive ssi ???
My daughter receives the full amount of ssi because my husband wasnt working and i was making a very small amount each month. Now my husband has started to work so will that affect the amount of ssi she recieves.
My daughter has CP and SSI denied us because our income is to high. Doesnt matter how much we make our daughter is still disabled and medical bills are piling up. Is there a away around the income to get some help?
Have you tried alta regional?
@Matt Yes! Apply for the Katie Becket waiver.
i have 2 boys 3 and 2 my 3 year old is receiving ssi for autism my 2nd son is receiving therapy 4 days a week but has not been officially diagnosed shows signs of since he was 9 months i just applied for ssi for him but will the process be faster and easier since his older brother is already diagnosed and receiving ssi
I’m married to a retired 66 years old man . Can my daughter gets SSI even though it’s only his Stepdaughter . My daughterm is ADHD.
Has anyone that is speaking of autism applied to be a alta regional client?
CP, posters as well.
IM A SINGLE MOM WITH 4 KIDS. MY SONS ARE 13,10 AND 6 AND MY DAUGHTER IS 22MONTHS. MY 10 YEAR OLD IS ADHD AND SPEECH DELAYED. I WAS WONDERING HOW MUCH INCOME CAN I MAKE SO IT WOULDNT MESS UP HIS INCOME.
I am the only one working in a household of 3 myself, my daughter(whom gets SSI), and my fiance (her dad). Isn’t the amount Im able to make before they lower her amount $3,000 because both of her parents live in the household?
Hi
My Son is 10 year old and born pre mature. His birth weight was 2.8oz. He has VP shunt since he was born. He is under developmental delays and had around over 10 surgeries. Also diagnosed has autism :( . My son was receiving SSI benefit until now. Because salary is now little over than ssi qualification set threshold. Soon his SSI benefit will be discontinue. My question is that . Still he will be able to get special Medicaid/health insurance?
Best regards
Qazi
Hello I am receiving ss disability for my 15 yr ADHD son. I am his mother and also I work a fulltime job. My sons grandmother wants me to do homehealth care which will pay part time $$500 to $$600 monthly.
Me and my 2 children also live with their father who doesn’t work.So there are 2 adults and 2 children in the home.
What is my maximum income for single family of 2 children& 1 adult??
What is the maximum for a family with 2 adults and 2 children both under the age of 16????
I live in California and my son currently receives ssi. My income is going to jump from $2300 to $3200 monthly. I also have 3 ineligible children and a wife who doesn’t work. All income is “earned”. Should I have any concerns with his benefits being discontinued?
Well they cut my child disability check cause I work 13 in the am and 14.50 at night every two weeks
Guys, the only way to find out if you or your children qualify for SSI/Disability is to contact the Social Security Administration. They will conduct a phone interview if you are not able to go into an office.
If your income is higher than the allowed amount for the number of people in your household for the chart listed above, you do not qualify.
If your income is lower than what is shown on the chart above, you or your child nay be eligible if they are considered disabled.
ADHD does not automatically qualify as disabled. A disability has to affect a person’s ability to live a “normal” life and ability to work.
Hi my daughter is receiving. Ssi i make 1500 a month. My rent is 158 a month will she still get her benefits
Hi I get 735 a month ssi I have 3 kids and 1 adult kid living with me. My monthly household bills are roughly $300. My son is disabled, he was approved how much will he make?
My granddaughter is 17 see receive ssd for cp and, n developmental disability, I work if she comes live with me will she received at least her medical still I don’t care about money,
I have a 3 year old with Down syndrome . I receive ssi for him. I have a Review coming up where ssa needs bank statements and pay stubs from dec 2015 until now. My grandmother was helping print out this information and she saw that I had 14,000 in my account from March 2016 until march 2017. This money was from my tax return from 2016 (7000) and 2017 (7000) which I can prove. I was saving the money for a down payment on a car. I brought the car March 8, 2017. My old car didn’t have AC or heat which I purchased 4 years ago for 7000. I needed a better car for my son. I didn’t understand that I could only have 2000 in my account. I thought my son’s account couldn’t be over 2000 and my income each month couldn’t be more than 2000. I didn’t know I couldn’t save my refund tax money. My grandmother said I will have to pay ssi back for the over payment which I don’t mind I want to make it right but I swear I didn’t know. I want to know will my son lose his ssi if I made a mistake? What may happen? If he lose ssi he will lose his health insurance which is my biggest concern. he need his Medicaid to pay for ot speech and pt therapy.
My son just got approved for disability. He has adhd and aspergers. Currently i make about $600 a month and his check is $735. I am getting married and having a baby by January. My spouse make at most $2400 a month. With all of the changes, how will it affect the amount of my sons disability, if at all???
My wife gets ssi my son gets his own ssi i work full time and make about $2000 a month our daughter wants to work she is 17 our son is 14 will it hurt his ssi if she works
My child is Autistic and receives disability. I just lost my job. will his disability be discontinued? Do I have to be employed for him to keep receiving his disability check?
i have a son on ssi and two other kids not i am single mother how much would they deduct from him if i got a job
I currently receive ssi for my premature daughter. Her father and I live together but he is not on the birth certificate. They want his income for the last year to see if she still qualifies. He is the only one working and gross with 48hrs is $3200 a month. He pays out $768 a month in child support. Do the go by his gross or what he actually brings home and will we qualify? There are 5 of us living in the house. 2 adults 3 kids.
I have two children that were put on medicine that apply to adhd. Their doctor says that the medicine should help them focus on school work and the other to sit still and pay attention. So would my two children qualify for ssi? Mother makes 1,000 a month.
I am a family of 5. I make 3600 a month. Will my dependent son still get his 740 per month SSI it will it stop.
My 2 1/2 twin draws ssi if i make 3000 a month will they take it away or some. I have her other twin in household an her 8 day old brother an mother also in household.
My son receives SSI. My husband and I separated and we now live with my parents. Both of my parents are retired but get good money. Is this going to affect my sons SSI? Also i didnt work because i was a stay at home Mom. i have a 2 year old also.
My step son gets ssi for his disability….I am got to her mom and I started working…will my income effect his social security?
My son is on SSI. He is now 28 years old moved out and has a full time job working for the city. The annual salary 26K. SSA office stated that he will need a notarized letter from a working parent stating that $417 a month will be given to my son. He is still receiving SSI money, and is trying to stop the payments because he is not eligible due to his salary. Is this correct? Also, will SSA be seeking back payments from the working parent? He hasn’t used any of the SSI money since he got the new job last year. He’s been trying to return the funds but they keep sending it. Can anyone advise. Thanks
If i get married will my child lose his ssi? we keep all money separate.