When most people decide to get married they probably think of all the advantages they will experience, but for those who are disabled and collecting Supplemental Security Income (SSI) who decide to get married experience the disadvantage of being married.
Two individuals who are receiving SSI benefits pay a penalty for deciding to get married. A married couple receives less in SSI benefits than two single individuals in a relationship, this is sometimes considered to be a marriage penalty for those on SSI. There is no good reason why two married people receive less in benefits than two single individuals. Social Security has stated that when combined resources are considered there is less of a need, but considering how modest the benefits are, up to $783 a month per individual, this is likely false. A married couple receives almost $400 less per month than two single individuals, this is obviously a disincentive to marry and needs to be changed. Below are the ways marriage negatively impact people who are eligible for SSI.
- Whether they are on Supplemental Security Income, (SSI) or Social Security Disability, (SSDI), or both. The key to SSI eligibility is income and savings. For SSDI it’s the disabled person’s work record, or the work record of a parent or spouse.
- If they are on SSDI, it makes a difference whether it is from your own work, or based on parent or spouse. For instance, Lori’s SSDI derives from her deceased father, which would trigger a loss of benefits if she marries. If she had her own SSDI, there wouldn’t be a marriage penalty. And SSI has its own rules involving benefits amounts and savings.
- It also makes a difference whether the person the disabled person wants to marry is also disabled and on SSI or SSDI.
