Deeming — Income deeming
Deeming is when SSA counts part of a spouse's or parent's income and resources as if they belong to you when deciding SSI eligibility.
Official source: ssa.gov
Deeming is when the Social Security Administration (SSA) looks at some of your spouse's or parent's money and things, and pretends it is yours. They do this when they are deciding if you can get Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSI is a program that gives money to people with low income and few resources. Deeming makes it seem like you have more money or things than you really do. This can affect if you can get SSI or how much money you get. It can also affect children and people who live with their parents. Some of their parents' income and resources might be "deemed" to them. This means the SSA pretends that money and things belong to the child even if they do not. This can make it harder for children to get SSI. If you live with your parents and you are a child, or if you are married, deeming might affect your SSI. You can talk to someone at the Social Security Administration if you want to know how deeming might affect you. They can explain your specific situation and help you understand what you need to do.
In real life
- A child's SSI may be reduced because part of the parents' income is deemed to the child.
- Mr. and Mrs. Johnson both get Social Security benefits. If Mrs. Johnson's income goes up, Mr. Johnson's SSI could be lowered because some of her income is counted for him.
- Sarah lives with her mother, who just got a new, higher-paying job. The additional money her mother earns might cause Sarah to lose some of her SSI payments because it's considered part of Sarah's available money.
Also known as
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Frequently asked questions about Deeming
What is Deeming?+
Deeming is when SSA counts part of a spouse's or parent's income and resources as if they belong to you when deciding SSI eligibility.
Who qualifies for Deeming?+
People with limited income and resources who are 65+, blind, or have a qualifying disability. SSI does not require a work history.
How do I apply for Deeming?+
Apply online at ssa.gov, by phone at 1-800-772-1213, or in person at your local Social Security office. There's no cost to apply. Official forms and instructions: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-deeming-ussi.htm.
Where can I get help?+
Use BenefitKarma's free Benefit Eligibility Screener to see if you qualify for SSI, then start your application at ssa.gov or your local Social Security office. There's no cost to apply.
Source: ssa.gov