Nonqualifying Income. Income that is not earned does not qualify you to contribute to a Roth IRA. Examples of this income are retirement pensions, Social Security payments, interest and dividend income, unemployment benefits, and alimony and child support.Unemployment benefits are also not considered earned income.ncome that is not earned does not qualify you to contribute to a Roth IRA. Examples of this income are retirement pensions, Social Security payments, interest and dividend income, unemployment benefits, and alimony and child support.