Supreme Court of the United States
Sullivan v. Stroop
June 14, 1990496 U.S. 478
Summary
The Court held that Title II child’s insurance benefits are not “child support” under §602(a)(8)(A)(vi) and therefore are not subject to the $50 disregard provision, reversing the Fourth Circuit. It also concluded that the Secretary’s construction does not violate the Equal Protection Clause.
Holding
- Whether Title II child’s insurance benefits constitute “child support” within the meaning of §602(a)(8)(A)(vi) for the $50 disregard provision.. The term “child support” in §602(a)(8)(A)(vi) refers exclusively to payments from absent parents; Title II child’s insurance benefits are not child support and are not subject to the disregard.
- Whether the Secretary’s interpretation violates the Equal Protection Clause.. The distinction between absent‑parent payments and government‑funded insurance benefits is rationally related to Congress’s objective and does not violate the Equal Protection Clause.
Docket 89-535
Cited authorities
- 42 U.S.C. §§602
- 49 Stat. 623
- 42 U.S.C. §602
- Pub. L. 98-369, §2640
- 98 Stat. 1146
- 42 U.S.C. § 602
- 42 U.S.C. §§601
- 42 U.S.C. §651