# SSI parent-to-child deeming rules

The deeming formula subtracts personal-needs allowances for the parents and ineligible siblings, then applies the standard SSI income exclusions. Households with modest incomes often qualify their child; wealthier households usually do not, until the child turns 18.

**Direct answer:** Until a child turns 18, SSA 'deems' a portion of the parents' income and resources as the child's own, after subtracting exclusions for the parents' living expenses and for any other children in the home.

**Direct answer:** Until a child turns 18, SSA 'deems' a portion of the parents' income and resources as the child's own, after subtracting exclusions for the parents' living expenses and for any other children in the home.

## How is my income counted for my child's SSI application?
The deeming formula subtracts personal-needs allowances for the parents and ineligible siblings, then applies the standard SSI income exclusions. Households with modest incomes often qualify their child; wealthier households usually do not, until the child turns 18.

## Where does this rule live in SSA's regulations?
SSA publishes the SSI eligibility rules in the SSI Eligibility page on ssa.gov and the annual 2026 SSI figures at ssa.gov/oact/cola/SSI.html. When SSA's public page and this article differ, ssa.gov controls.

## What if I'm not sure I qualify?
Apply anyway. SSA determines eligibility on the facts of your case, and application itself protects the earliest possible filing date. There is no penalty for applying and being denied.

## Sources
- SSA — Understanding SSI Eligibility — https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/text-eligibility-ussi.htm
- SSA — 2026 SSI Federal Payment Amounts — https://www.ssa.gov/oact/cola/SSI.html
- SSA — SSI Spotlights — https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/spotlights/

## Related questions
- [SSI — Supplemental Security Income Complete Guide (2026)](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/ssi)
- [SSI vs SSDI](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/ssi-vs-ssdi)
- [The SSDI Application Process](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/application-process)
- [SSDI Appeals & Reconsideration](https://ssdidirectanswers.com/appeals)
## Topics
- SSI vs SSDI — https://ssdidirectanswers.com/ssi-vs-ssdi

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