What is Excluded from Gross Income?

In Georgia, the first step in determining a child support obligation is to "determine the monthly gross income of both the custodial parent and the noncustodial parent." OCGA §19-6-15(b)(1). In our gross income page we discuss what is "gross income" for purposes of the child support calculation. There are also several categories of "income" that are excluded from the calculation. These exclusions are:

1. Child support payments received by either parent for the benefit of a child of another relationship. OCGA §19-6-15(f)(2)(A).
2. Benefits received from means-tested public assistance programs - Examples include PeachCare for Kids Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program, food stamps, supplemental security income, benefits received under Section 402(d) of the federal Social Security Act for disabled adult children of deceased disabled workers, and low income heating and energy assistance programs. OCGA §19-6-15(f)(2)(B).
3. Foster care payments paid by the Department of Human Services or a licensed child placing agency for providing foster care to a foster child in the custody of the Department of Human Services.OCGA §19-6-15(f)(2)(C).
4. A nonparent custodian's gross income. OCGA §19-6-15(f)(2)(D).

While the items excluded from gross income are not as numerous or complicated as those included in gross income, it is usually worth it to have an experienced family law attorney review your child support worksheets to ensure that your gross income is reported properly. This will, in turn, help guarantee that you are paying or receiving the proper amount of child support.