Child Support - How does Social Security Disability for custodial parent's disability affect my child support?

Question

My former spouse receives Social Security Disability and my daughter recently went to live with him and she also receives a check from his disabilities.  Will I still be required to pay child support even if what she receives is much more than what I would  be ordered to pay for support based on my income?

Answer

Presuming your case is in Michigan, under the Michigan Child Support Formula a payer receives credit for the amount that the minor child receives only if it is due to the PAYER's disability/work history.  As you describe the situation, the child is receiving benefits based upon the father's disability.  If the child lives with the father, the mother would be the support payer, and there would not be credit for the SS benefit that the child receives.  The amount received, however, would be additional income for the father (payee) and would therefore have some effect upon the amount of support ordered.

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Last Updated:  5-4-08

Send your comments, questions and suggestions to Phil Harter at 161 E Michigan Avenue, Battle Creek, Michigan 49014 or e mail to pharter@calhouncountymi.gov