What Is SSI?

SSI stands for Supplemental Security Income. It is a federal program run by the Social Security Administration. It provides monthly payments to people who:

• Are age 65 or older
• Are blind
• Have a disability
• Have limited income and limited resources

SSI is based on financial need. That is why income rules matter so much.

What Does “Deeming” Mean?

Deeming happens when the Social Security Administration counts part of someone else’s income as yours.

This usually applies in two situations:

1. Parent to child (under age 18)
2. Spouse to spouse

If you live with a parent or spouse who has income, some of their income may be “deemed” available to you. That can reduce your SSI benefit.

Example:

• A child receives SSI.
• The parent works full time.
• Part of the parent’s income is counted toward the child’s eligibility.
• The child’s SSI payment may go down.

This is where an SSI Deeming Calculator becomes helpful.

What Is an SSI Deeming Calculator?

An SSI Deeming Calculator is an online tool that estimates:

• The deemor’s total income
• Income exclusions
• Deemed income
• The SSI recipient’s countable income
• Adjusted SSI payment
• Payment reduction
• Eligibility status

It does not replace an official determination from Social Security. But it gives you a close estimate based on current SSI rules.

Who Is a “Deemor”?

A deemor is the person whose income may affect the SSI recipient.

There are two main types:

1. Parent-to-Child Deeming

• The SSI recipient is under 18.
• The parent’s income is considered.

2. Spouse-to-Spouse Deeming

• The SSI recipient is married.
• The spouse’s income is considered.

The calculator allows you to choose between these two options.

Fields in the SSI Deeming Calculator Explained

Let’s break down each section of the calculator in plain language.

1. Deeming Type

You select:

• Parent to Child (Under 18)
• Spouse to Spouse

This changes how allocation amounts are calculated.

2. SSI Recipient’s Monthly Benefit

This is the current SSI amount the person receives.

If left blank, the calculator assumes the 2023 federal SSI rate of $914 for an individual.

3. Deemor’s Monthly Unearned Income

This includes:

• Social Security benefits
• Pensions
• Unemployment
• Interest income

Unearned income is treated differently from earned income.

4. Deemor’s Monthly Earned Income

This includes:

• Wages
• Salary
• Self-employment income

Earned income receives special exclusions before it is counted.

5. Other Household Members

This asks how many other people live in the home besides:

• The SSI recipient
• The deemor

Household size affects allocation calculations.

6. Other Household Members’ Income

This field collects income from other people in the household. It may affect allocation rules depending on the situation.

7. Allocation to Other Household Members

SSI rules allow certain income amounts to be allocated to ineligible children or other dependents. This reduces the amount that gets deemed to the SSI recipient.

8. Blind or Disabled Status

If the SSI recipient is blind or disabled and works, certain work expenses can be excluded from income.

This can increase the final SSI payment.

9. Medical Expenses

Out-of-pocket medical expenses may affect countable income in some SSI calculations.

10. Work Expenses

If the recipient is blind or disabled, approved work expenses such as:

• Transportation
• Special equipment
• Assistive devices

can reduce countable income.

11. Living Arrangement

Living arrangement matters.

Options include:

• Living in own home
• Living in someone else’s home
• Living in a facility
• Receiving public assistance

Some options reduce the maximum SSI payment amount.

How the SSI Deeming Calculator Works

Now let’s look at how the calculator processes the numbers.

Step 1: Add the Deemor’s Income

Total Income =
Earned Income + Unearned Income

Step 2: Apply the $20 General Income Exclusion

SSI allows the first $20 of income to be excluded.

So:

Countable Income = Total Income – 20

Step 3: Apply Earned Income Exclusion

For earned income:

• First $65 is excluded
• Then half of the remaining earned income is excluded

This reduces how much earned income is counted.

Step 4: Subtract Allocation Amount

The calculator subtracts allocation amounts for:

• Household members
• Ineligible children (in parent deeming cases)

This lowers the amount deemed to the SSI recipient.

Step 5: Calculate Deemed Income

Deemed Income =
Deemor Countable Income – Allocation

If the result is negative, it becomes zero.

Step 6: Adjust for Work Expenses

If the SSI recipient is blind or disabled and has work expenses, those expenses reduce countable income.

Step 7: Calculate Adjusted SSI Payment

Adjusted SSI Payment =
Maximum Federal Benefit – Countable Income – Living Arrangement Reduction

If the result is zero or less, the person is not eligible due to income.

Understanding the Results Section

After clicking Calculate, the tool displays:

Deemor’s Total Income

Total earned + unearned income.

Income Allocation for Deemor

Amount excluded due to household size or dependents.

Deemed Income to SSI Recipient

The final amount transferred to the recipient for SSI calculation.

SSI Recipient’s Total Countable Income

Income after exclusions and adjustments.

Original SSI Payment

What the person was receiving before.

Adjusted SSI Payment

New estimated benefit amount.

Payment Reduction

How much the benefit decreases.

Eligibility Status

Shows:

• “Eligible”
• “Not Eligible (Income Too High)”

Why SSI Payments Get Reduced

SSI is a needs-based program.

Payments are reduced when:

• Household income increases
• A parent earns more
• A spouse begins working
• Living arrangements change
• The recipient moves into someone else’s home

Even small income changes can affect eligibility.

Example Scenario

Let’s say:

• Parent earns $2,000 per month
• No other household members
• Child receives SSI
• Living at home

After exclusions and allocations, part of that income is deemed to the child. The child’s SSI payment drops from $914 to a lower amount.

The calculator shows that reduction clearly.

Important Disclaimer

An SSI Deeming Calculator provides estimates only.

Actual SSI determinations depend on:

• Updated federal benefit rates
• State supplements
• Special exclusions
• Complex household rules
• Changes in SSI policy

Always confirm with your local Social Security office for official decisions.

Why Use an SSI Deeming Calculator?

Here’s why many families use one:

• To plan before applying for SSI
• To understand why payments changed
• To estimate impact of a new job
• To check eligibility before reporting income
• To reduce confusion around SSI rules

It gives clarity before you call Social Security.