Can we get married?

Question

My boy friend has MS and receives SSI. We want to get married but have been told that if we do, he would lose his benefits because my income would become his also. I receive SSD and I am paid to care for him. We have also been told if we married, I would also no longer be paid to care for him. That would leave only my SSD for the two of us to live on. It does not make sense to me that his benefits would be discontinued. Does anyone know how for sure how this situation would be handled?

Answer 1

I would check with SSI to make sure and maybe a lawyer too. But if I were you then I would just do the ceremony and get the rings but don't have anything legalized.

Answer 2

In most states, he will most likely lose his SSI if your income puts you above the payment level. You might also lose your income you receive caring for him depending on what agency it is through. You can read up about SSI rules and regulations online. Here is part of what I found:
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SSI is a federal program that makes monthly payments to people with disabilities who have limited income and assets. The program is administered by the Social Security Administration, but the payments are financed by the general revenue funds, not from Social Security taxes.

* Eligibility is based on financial need. SSI eligibility depends on what people own and how much income they have. Income includes items such as wages, Social Security benefits and pensions. Income also includes non-cash items received, such as food, clothing or shelter. People who have never worked or have not worked long enough to qualify for Social Security benefits may be eligible for SSI. People also may be eligible for both Social Security and SSI benefits.
* There are no benefit provisions for a spouse and dependent children.
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So you need to find the income levels for your state and decide if your income puts you over the limit.

Good luck.

Answer 3

In Missouri you would. http://www.ultimatedisabilityguide.com/ssi.html
Supplemental Security Income or SSI Information http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/11011.html
What You Need To Know When You Get Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Answer 4

I don't know for sure... But what you are saying does make sense to me. I don't see the government paying you to take care of your own husband that is your duty. Just like if you had kids the government is not going to pay you to watch them. That is your responsibility. Make sense? If I were you I would call social services or social security to know the facts for sure before I got married.

Answer 5

I have heard about this, that when ur married your income becomes his. But I dont know if they would cut his SSI. You might need to take that to court or call a lawyer.

Answer 6

The best idea would be to call Social Security and ask. Or get a free consult with a social security lawyer and ask.

Answer 7

well i am not 100% but i think that he can still claim incapacity benefit at a rate of about £90 a week no matter what you earn as my nana and grandad are in same situation, contact your citizens advice bureau for definite answer or email department of work and pensions they will tell you

Answer 8

Yes that's true his benefits would be compromised consider not a legal marriage but a domestic union?

Answer 9

Ask your caseworker to find out for sure. I think they may decrease your benefits, however they will stop paying you for caring for him. Good Luck, I know this is easy for me to say, but do not let this stop you from getting married, God will provide. I know, it has happened to me.

Answer 10

Just live together and don't make it legal. Marriage is in your hearts, not a legal paper that sounds like will give you problems. You can have a ceremony and rings and everything, just don't make it legal.