Question Is child support considered earned income when calculating the earned income credit? Answer No, for purposes of calculating the earned income credit, child support isn't considered earned income. Examples of items that aren't earned income include interest and dividends, pensions and annuities, Social Security and railroad retirement benefits (including disability benefits), alimony and child support, welfare benefits, workers' compensation benefits, unemployment compensation (insurance), nontaxable foster care payments, and veterans' benefits, including VA rehabilitation payments. Don't include any of these items in your earned income. Additional Information Publication 596, Earned Income Credit (EIC) Use the EITC Assistant Category Earned Income Tax Credit Sub-Category Taxable & nontaxable income