Child Ssi Calculator

The Child SSI (Supplemental Security Income) Calculator is a valuable tool for families who want to estimate their child’s potential SSI benefits. The U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) provides SSI to children with qualifying disabilities when the household income and resources are within certain limits.

Child SSI Calculator

$

How to Use the Child SSI Calculator

Using the calculator is simple:

  1. Enter Household Income – Include parents’ wages, self-employment income, and other sources.
  2. Enter Household Members – Number of parents in the home, number of children, and whether they also receive SSI.
  3. Enter Eligible Child’s Details – The age of the child and confirmation of disability eligibility.
  4. Calculate – The calculator applies SSA deeming rules and provides an estimated monthly SSI benefit.

Child SSI Benefit Formula

The formula for SSI involves several steps:

  1. Start with Parents’ Gross Income
    Income includes wages, self-employment, and unearned income.
  2. Apply Income Exclusions
    • First $20 of unearned income excluded.
    • First $65 of earned income excluded.
    • Half of remaining earned income excluded.
    Formula for countable earned income:
    Countable Earned Income = (Earned Income − $65 − $20) ÷ 2
  3. Apply Parent-to-Child Deeming Rules
    • A certain portion of parental income is "deemed" to the child.
    • Some income is disregarded based on number of children in the household.
  4. Determine SSI Payment
    SSI Payment = Federal Benefit Rate (FBR) − Countable Deemed Income (The FBR for 2025 is $943/month for an individual, though state supplements may increase this.)

Example 1: Single Parent, One Child

  • Parent earns $2,000/month.
  • One disabled child, no other children.

Step 1: Income Exclusions
Earned income = $2,000 − $65 − $20 = $1,915
Half excluded → $1,915 ÷ 2 = $957.50 countable earned income

Step 2: Apply Deeming
$957.50 deemed to child.

Step 3: SSI Calculation
$943 (FBR) − $957.50 = Negative → Child receives $0 SSI

Example 2: Two Parents, Two Children

  • Parents’ combined income = $2,500/month.
  • One disabled child, one non-disabled child.

Step 1: Income Exclusions
$2,500 − $85 = $2,415
Half excluded → $1,207.50 countable earned income

Step 2: Apply Deeming
Allowance for one ineligible child reduces deemed income. After adjustment, deemed income = $700.

Step 3: SSI Calculation
$943 − $700 = $243 SSI payment

Additional Insights

  • Household size matters: More children mean more income disregards before deeming.
  • Unearned income reduces SSI dollar-for-dollar (after the $20 exclusion).
  • State supplements: Some states add extra SSI payments beyond the federal benefit.
  • Direct deposits: SSI is usually paid on the 1st of the month.
  • Disability requirement: The child must meet SSA’s strict definition of disability for eligibility.

20 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a Child SSI Calculator?
It’s a tool that estimates how much SSI a disabled child may receive based on family income and household size.

2. Who qualifies for child SSI?
Children under 18 with a disability and families with limited income/resources.

3. What is the maximum SSI payment in 2025?
$943/month federally, but some states add supplements.

4. Does parental income affect SSI?
Yes, part of parental income is “deemed” to the child.

5. What if both parents work?
Both parents’ incomes are counted and subject to deeming rules.

6. Do siblings affect SSI benefits?
Yes, non-disabled siblings increase the income exclusion amount.

7. Are child support payments counted?
Yes, child support is usually treated as unearned income.

8. Do savings count against eligibility?
Yes, resources must be under $2,000 for the child (some exclusions apply).

9. Is the first $20 of income always excluded?
Yes, $20/month of unearned income is excluded.

10. What about self-employment income?
It is treated the same as wages, with allowable business expense deductions.

11. Does SSI vary by state?
Yes, some states add a supplement to the federal amount.

12. How often is SSI paid?
Monthly, typically on the first of the month.

13. Can a child receive SSI and SSDI?
Yes, if eligible, but SSI may be reduced depending on SSDI amount.

14. What happens when the child turns 18?
They are re-evaluated under adult disability rules, and parental income no longer counts.

15. Can SSI be back paid?
Yes, benefits may be back paid from the application date if eligibility was established.

16. Does income from grandparents count?
No, only parents’ income (or step-parent’s income in the home) is deemed.

17. Is SSI taxable?
Generally, no, SSI benefits are not subject to federal income tax.

18. What is the resource limit for parents?
Parents must keep resources within SSA’s limits ($2,000 for individuals, $3,000 for couples).

19. Does the calculator give exact amounts?
It provides estimates; the SSA makes the final determination.

20. Is the Child SSI Calculator free?
Yes, most online calculators are free to use.