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House approves allowing courts to consider SSDI when imputing income for child support
Summary
HB 216 passed the House unanimously after sponsor Rep. Jordan Tuscher said the bill allows courts discretion to include Social Security Disability Insurance as imputed income when calculating child support; sponsor said Utah was previously the only state that excluded SSDI. Vote: 68–0.
SALT LAKE CITY — The Utah House unanimously approved HB 216 on Feb. 23, allowing courts to consider Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) when imputing income in child-support calculations.
Representative Jordan Tuscher, sponsor of the measure, told colleagues that SSDI is an insurance program designed to replace long-term wages for workers with severe disabilities and that current Utah law excludes SSDI from imputed-income calculations. “We found that Utah was the only state that excludes SSDI in child-support calculations,” Tuscher said. The bill restores judicial discretion so courts can consider SSDI when imputing income if circumstances warrant.
Representative Hansen asked for a practical example of how much SSDI might look like; Tuscher said one constituent’s ex‑husband received about $6,000 per month in SSDI. Members noted the court still retains discretion to account for extenuating circumstances.
Representative Dominguez expressed support, saying constituents have asked for a more equitable approach when one parent receives higher SSDI payments.
The bill passed the House 68–0 and will be transmitted to the Senate.
Vote: HB 216 — Passed, 68–0.
Clarifying details: The bill does not mandate any particular calculation method; it permits courts to consider SSDI at their discretion. Sponsor cited an example SSDI payment of $6,000 per month in a constituent case; the transcript does not provide a universal formula for imputation.
