House approves allowing courts to consider SSDI when imputing income for child support

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.