When is the income of others looked at for an SSI claim?

As is the case with most federal benefits programs, there is a very complex set of rules in place for the Supplemental Security Income program. Thus, it can be easy for a disabled individual who is applying for SSI benefits to feel a tad on the overwhelmed side. One thing that individuals applying for SSI benefits may want to keep in mind is that the application process is not one they have to go through alone. Disability attorneys can provide SSI applicants with information on the application process and the rules of the SSI program and assist them with the pursuing of an SSI claim.

A person’s income is a significant factor when it comes to SSI benefits. What a disabled person’s income is impacts what amount of SSI benefits they could receive. It can also dictate whether they can get any benefits at all, as having too high of an income disqualifies a person from SSI eligibility.

Now, in some cases, it is not only a person’s own income that is considered when determining what income they have for SSI purposes. Under certain circumstances, portions of the income of others are factored in when determining what benefits an SSI applicant can receive.

Among these circumstances are:

• When an SSI applicant has alien status and has a sponsor. In such instances, the Social Security Administration generally factors in part or all of the income of the sponsor.
• When an SSI applicant is a minor and resides with their parents. In such instances, the SSA may factor in a portion of the parents’ income.
• When an SSI applicant is married and resides with their spouse. In such instances, the SSA may factor in a portion of the spouse’s income.

Source: Social Security Administration, “Understanding Supplemental Security Income SSI Income — 2014 Edition,” Accessed Oct. 7, 2014