SSI and marriage - Disabilities Message Board

belfiore83 · 01-24-2007, 06:37 PM

I apologize if this has already been covered (I tried to search before posting)...

I would really like some insight from ppl who know about or have experienced how getting married affects SSI (when one person has a disability and other does not). I know they will take my fiances income into consideration and probably slash, if not cut off my SSI. ?? It is really concerning bc, just bc I am getting married doesnt change the fact that I have a disability or need the income. My fiances income isnt enough for us to take care of my special needs. I feel like nobody is talking about this. Perhaps, bc ppl are all having to find ways to work around this...deciding to hold off getting married or not get legally married, etc. How frustrating!

I cant find any real answers, like it is a big mystery as to how my aid will be affected. Im a little frightened to walk into that blindly. Please, any input is greatly appreciated! TY.

Shogirl · 01-24-2007, 09:19 PM

This is such an unfair law and rule. My daughter has gone through this same thing. I know they take the both incomes and assests, if they are over $3,000.00 in assets, and a pretty small amount in income is allowed. If it's over any of these two things you lose the SSI, and then of course your medical. It is very unfair. Especially more so in todays times, not a lot of spouses have great job with great health insurance, or the guarantee of how long they will keep their job, change jobs, or whatever. It is a terrible problem. I think many just choose not to marry, which is sad, and then they have to lie and claim they don't live together. They actually force people to have to lie.

The saddest thing is that none of this changes someone's disabilty and the important needs they still have to have. A person who is truely disabled should qualify regardless of what they are doing.

belfiore83 · 01-25-2007, 07:17 AM

TY for your response. It definitely helps to hear any feedback on this. I have been trying to do some research and so far Ive found these links somewhat helpful...

[url]http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.21/handbook-2122.html[/url]
[url]http://intotem.buffnet.net/mhw/35kmw1.html[/url]

...it doesnt look too good for couples getting married and still receiving the aid that is needed

Its really unfortunate, and youre right, I think it puts so many ppl in a bad position. Im a little stunned to be honest. You get so excited when you find the right person and you want to make it official and this information can really throw a wrench in the plans during what is supposed to be such a happy time. best of luck to anyone else dealing with this!

Mz Migraine · 01-25-2007, 10:54 AM

Hey there neighbor!

Pa. recognizes common law marriages. Not sure how that would affect your SSI. You would need to speak w/an attorney that only specializes in Social Security cases on that one.

Quote:

My fiances income isnt enough for us to take care of my special needs.

Maybe one day soon he may find a higher income job! You never know. After all casinos are now opening up in Pa. & they are looking for "thousands" of applicants.

Best of luck to ya!

belfiore83 · 01-25-2007, 05:21 PM

Well, unfortunately, we're prob just going to have to hold off on going forward with things as planned.