Q: I have a stepson whose father pays no child support because he is on ssi. is the child entitled to some of that ssi?
A:
If the father of the stepson is receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) from the Social Security Administration (SSA), it is unlikely that the stepson would be entitled to any of that money directly. SSI is a needs-based program that provides cash assistance to people who are aged, blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources. The program is intended to provide for the basic needs of the recipient, and payments are not typically allocated to other family members or dependents.
However, the child may still be entitled to child support payments from the father, even if he is receiving SSI. The fact that the father is on SSI does not necessarily mean that he is exempt from his obligation to provide financial support for his child. The specifics of child support laws vary by state, so it would be best to consult with a family law attorney or local child support enforcement agency to determine what options may be available for pursuing child support in this situation.
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