What is Deeming?

The term “deeming” refers to the process by which the Social Security Administration (SSA) allots a fraction of the income and resources of the parent to a child who qualifies for benefits from Supplemental Security Income (SSI). This is based on the principle that families and those who live together are responsible for each other’s share of income and resources. This is applied for children under 18 years old and whose parents are gainfully employed. Some types of income and resources are exempted from deeming. These include the first $20 of the monthly income, the first $65 of salary and half of the salary exceeding $65 received per month, food stamp value, income tax refunds, home energy assistance, State or local government funded assistance, irregular or infrequent income, interests or dividends on countable resources or resources exempted according to Federal laws, grants, scholarships, fellowships, food and shelter from nonprofit agencies, and so on. It is advisable to contact the SSA to inquire more about excluded resources.

Deeming can affect the child in such a way that even if the disabled child is eligible to obtain SSI benefits, he/she may not be able to get them because his/her parents have resources and income that are attributed to the child through deeming. It is essential to seek legal counsel if you believe that the income and resources included in the process of deeming are incorrect. Your attorney will guide you through the process particularly for filing appeal for the decision made by the SSA.