I am disabled and get disability benefits. Do I still have to pay child support?

You should not have to pay child support if you receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

• However, if you were ordered to pay support and later start receiving SSI, you will have to file a Petition to ask for the court to stop the support. To find out which Petition you should use, see I can’t afford my child support payment. Can I lower the amount?.

You may have to pay child support out of your check if you receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

• If you do not pay, Social Security can garnish part of your benefit. The largest amount they can garnish is 65%.
• NOTE: If your child receives benefits on your record, then the court can consider that in deciding whether to lower your support amount. You will have to file a Petition to ask the court to change the amount of support you are ordered to pay. To find out which Petition you should use, see I can’t afford my child support payment. Can I lower the amount?.

Generally, your VA disability compensation benefit (service-connected) cannot be garnished to pay for child support. Exception: Your benefit can be garnished if you waived part of your military retired pay to receive VA disability benefits.