FAQs

• For deeming to apply, the household must contain at least one of each category of individuals described below:
  • At least one "ineligible" person responsible for the SSI recipient's welfare who is subject to deeming income and/or resources to the SSI recipient. SSI broadly defines "ineligible" as someone who is not eligible for SSI. An SSI recipient cannot deem income or resources to another SSI recipient. In some deeming situations, SSA also uses the term "ineligible" to refer to other people involved in applications of deeming, but who are not eligible for SSI,
  • At least one "eligible" or potentially "eligible" SSI recipient, who is currently medically qualified to receive SSI and is also receiving deemed income and/or resources from an ineligible person or persons. SSI broadly defines "eligible" as someone who is currently receiving SSI or could be eligible for SSI.

• Deeming may begin and end at any time. It does not just apply at time of initial application. Deeming will be applied whenever a claimant falls under the deeming rules, and will stop whenever that person no longer is subject to deeming.

• The potential for and the amount of deemed income is examined during the annual SSI re-determination process (or at any time changes in deemed income are reported) and the SSI payment is adjusted accordingly. Deeming may be applied retroactively in the same manner that SSA retroactively considers all other forms of unearned or earned income. Failure to report changes in deemed income may result in overpayment.

• SSA does not count all income and resources of the ineligible parent(s), spouse, or sponsor when calculating the amount of deemed income. Certain types of income and resources are specifically excluded from deeming determinations. These exclusions from income used in the deeming computation do not always correspond to exclusions of an SSI recipient's own income. The list of exclusions is lengthy and complex, Benefits Specialists are advised to consult the POMS for specific questions.

  SI 01310.000 - Deeming

• SSA also applies various deductions or allocations to further reduce countable income for deeming purposes. An allocation is a certain portion of an ineligible parent's or spouse's income used to provide for the ineligible parent's or spouse's own living expenses and those of any ineligible child or children living in the household. Allocations are applied for: Ineligible parents; Ineligible children in the household; Sponsors of SSI eligible aliens; and Dependents of sponsors of SSI eligible aliens.

• Deemed income is treated as a form of unearned income. In deeming situations, this income is added to any other countable earned or unearned income attributable to the SSI recipient. How does deeming apply to Benefits Planning Assistance and Outreach (BPAO) activities? Deemed income calculations are extremely complex and may only be performed by the SSA Claims Representative. Benefits Specialists should never attempt to make deeming calculations without assistance from Social Security personnel. Yet, it is important for Benefits Specialist to understand the basic operations of deeming, including situations in which deeming would apply and how deemed income is determined.