SSI – Supplemental Security Income – helps the disabled meet basic needs such as groceries, utilities, and housing. However, if you’re married, your spouse’s income may impact the amount you receive each month. “Deemed” income is the income of a spouse, parents, or a sponsor (if you are a sponsored immigrant) with whom you share a household; that income is included when determining the monthly amount of SSI payments. Deemed income is considered “countable” income, and if your countable income exceeds a particular limit, you’re ineligible to receive SSI benefits. If you’re in southern California, let an experienced Los Angeles Social Security disability attorney help you determine if you are eligible to receive SSI payments; if you need disability benefits, make the call today.
For the purposes of receiving SSI benefits, countable income includes deemed income and:
- Earned income: wages, net self–employment earnings, some royalties and honoraria, and sheltered workshop payments
- Unearned income: other Social Security benefits, pensions, state disability benefits, unemployment benefits, interest income, and cash gifts
- In-kind income: food or shelter you receive for free or for less than the fair market value
Deemed income is not a factor in eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). SSDI benefits are earned and based on what you paid while you were working, so the income of others has no impact on SSDI eligibility.
If you believe you qualify for either SSI or SSDI benefits on the basis of a disability, or if you’ve already applied and your claim has been denied, don’t wait another day to get the legal help you really need. A good Social Security disability lawyer can help you determine which benefits are right for you, help you apply for benefits and review your applications for accuracy and completeness, and help you through the appeals process, where benefits are frequently granted to applicants who’ve previously been denied. If you need to receive disability benefits in southern California, call an experienced Los Angeles Social Security disability attorney immediately.