Why must elderly couples lose their Social Security funds when they choose to get married?

Question

I think it is terrible to penalize a loving couple by taking away the Social Security funds which they worked so hard to earn simply because they want to marry. What can we as a society do to change this cruel law? Do you know any couples who have decided to simply live together instead of getting married because of this atrocity?
Thank you for your response to my question.

Answer 1

It's criminal. Something else that is criminal. I don't know if they still do it or not. My grandmother wound up in a mental institution. { I never knew her} My grandfather was told he had to divorce her so she could be taken care of. This was back in the 30's. This was the states. The government is the most corrupt corporation there is. If they took my CPP away~~they wouldn't get much. $6.86 a month. Aren't they generous?? Your question was excellent and brings out in the open the things that the government gets away with. I live in Canada and we have our problems here. I have tried to fight the government in every way I can; they are always right. HA! At least they say they are. What a joke.

Answer 2

I have lived with my "guy" for over 10 years. We are both receiving Social Security. If we marry, I would lose mine or have it cut in half.
We had an informal ceremony, in front of friends and family to show that we wanted to stay together, but we did not legalize it....no formal paper stating we were husband and wife.
After being with each other through hard times and good, illnesses, stroke, homelessness and travel, we are still together. We, for our own definition, are a married couple. But, to the government, we are living together without benefit of marriage.
For several years we struggled on just his Social Security ($600 a month), until I finally got mine. He still doesn't have medical even though he had a stoke. We are still under the poverty level, even with both checks. He cannot work anymore and neither can I.
We both worked hard all our lives, both paid taxes (and still do), both contributed to society. Now we cannot become legal husband and wife without being penalized. Go figure.
We need to change the laws of the land, the whole United States, not just state law. It's hard enough growing old, losing your health and creaking bones, without being penalized for being a couple.

Answer 3

Yes I know a lovely lady and gentleman who live together in HER house for this very reason. The Govt encourages sinful behaviour. Soc. Sec. believes that two people can live as cheaply as one - what a farce! Anyway, they do not take it all away - if say the man gets $1500 a month, and the lady gets $750. The lady is likely to have to give up about l/2 of her check if they marry. So who can blame them - you are right when you say they are being penalized for having a loving relationship.

Answer 4

Bethany: You would think the
whole world would be asking
that question. The situation
is deplorable, but Social Security will use any means
to lower the benefits of Seniors.
Yes, I know of many couples
who live together. With most
it is for love and with others,
it is survival. This may sound
sexist, but the older I get, the
more I am aware that men
just can't live alone!! Most
of them are dead within 2 years of becoming a widower.

Answer 5

Because we are a awful country who put money ahead of people..I say Shame on our gov....I think when a person is 70 and want to marry their long time partner. then let them keep their soc. sec. check. my god have a heart..I collect from my husbands soc. sec. after being married 28 years raised 6 kids stayed home and took care of the home.Divorced after 28 years and found a nice person whom I have been with for 16 years and want to get married but can not lose that 700.00 a month. he works but not rich. I worked so hard in the home so I should be able to keep my soc. sec. from my X montster.It is NOT the gov. money they didn't work for it, I DID.

Answer 6

Only one spouse loses their benefits, and yes I think it is horrible to penalize people for getting married when both have paid into the system and have earned their benefits. Yes, my great uncle lived with his 2nd 'wife' for almost 18 years without the benefit of marriage because of this

Answer 7

Mister Ed, I want you to know that I am a person that goes down to my state capital and talks to my senators and congressmen in person.It is like everything else, though, and they say they are working on it, but nothing ever gets done.Instead of spending time on her over some of these subjects, I agree, take the time to look your representatives contact information up and write them a letter/email.The Baby Boomers are a large group, and we can make a difference if we try.Make our opinions be heard!

Answer 8

back in the 70's I knew a couple that had to get a divorce to receive their entitled benefits. They each owned a small business therefor each paid in the maximum. Just another stupid law for the fed's to take your money.And to think the government is comprised of 'good rightious god fearing people of family values' ! Hypocrites is more like it ! !

Answer 9

I don't know any personally but I do know that many live together instead of marry just for that reason alone. It does seem unfair. Not sure what can be done other than just live in sin.

Answer 10

I knew a couple that went to Mexico to marry.They received their checks and with them lived below poverty???Now I think if it is yours,it is yours..Leave it alone and give us the money we worked to earn.It isn't like we are getting food stamps or aid to go on a pay limit...