Is Social Security benefits considered child support?

When it comes to Social Security benefits, retirement and SSDI benefits can be garnished to pay for child support since they're considered part of a parent's income. SSI benefits can't be garnished since they're not considered part of a parent's income. read more

When determining a child's monthly SSI benefit, program rules under the Social Security Act exclude from countable income one-third of the child support payment received from the absent parent. The remaining child support payment is subject to the $20 general income exclusion. read more

A child may receive Social Security benefits based on a parent's retirement or disability. Most states allow a credit to the parent's child support obligation for the amount of the benefits. The Social Security benefits to the child act as a substitute for part or the entire child support award. read more

Child support arrearages received on behalf of an adult child a. Policy for child support arrearage payments effective June 1, 2002 . Child support arrearage payments received on behalf of an adult child are not subject to the SSI one-third child support exclusion. read more