My personal journey with this issue began when my daughter's father, a long-term illegal drug user who has been noncompliant with child support for over nine years, filed for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Despite owing more than $10,000 in arrears of child support, the social security act protects him from having to pay. His case was closed on grounds of indigence due to his income level. Meanwhile, he lives with his parents who cover all his living expenses including food, shelter and clothing. Yet he retains his parenting time without any financial contribution.

This situation is not unique to me; it's an unfair reality faced by many single parents across our nation. The current laws surrounding SSI and the Social Security Act allow individuals to evade their shared financial obligation towards their children’s upbringing if they are receiving SSI benefits. This loophole not only places an undue burden on the custodial parent but also deprives children of necessary financial support from both parents.

According to a report by Congressional Research Service (CRS), as of 2019 there were approximately 4.4 million custodial single parents who were owed child support arrears totaling $114 billion nationwide (CRS Report R45273). A significant portion of these arrears may be attributed to noncustodial parents protected under current SSI laws.

We call upon lawmakers to reform these laws so that they reflect fairness and accountability towards shared parental responsibilities irrespective of one's income or living situation. It is time we ensure that every child receives adequate financial support from both their parents regardless of circumstances.

Please sign this petition urging our legislators to revisit and amend these outdated provisions in the best interest of our children’s welfare.