Are benefits income?

[rebeccajo 14]

I'd add that:

-Not all 'benefits' are created equal. What type and from which agency the USC gets benefits from may make a difference. His marital status may make a difference for his future benefits as well.

-The dollar figure is closer to 17K per year, not 13.

I still find it hard to believe that the OP got the correct information about what benefits she would be entitled to receive without the USC sponsor being held responsible for repayment. I've been reading on this topic in depth for over 4 years, and that is my opinion.

A Joint Sponsor would probably be the solution.

Anything that gets reported on your 1040 is considered income, correct? Disability benifits get reported on your 1040?? Maybe not taxable but reported??

I am asking these questions seriously. I do not know the answer. It seems logical to me though.

The problem isn't whether or not it's income per se as the IRS defines it. The problem is that for approval of the Affidavit of Support, a 'means tested benefit' cannot count towards the income.

[Chuckles 0]

The problem isn't whether or not it's income per se as the IRS defines it. The problem is that for approval of the Affidavit of Support, a 'means tested benefit' cannot count towards the income.

Well I hope for the OP's sake that these benifits do not fall under "means tested". It would hardly seem fair.