Can my girlfriend still receive SSI Payments if we get married?

Question

My girlfriend currently receives SSI payments due to a permanent disability she inherited at birth. She currently receives about $600 a month for SSI and I will be starting a new job soon that pays around $3500 a month.

I am not really concerned about it as I feel I would be making enough to support the both of us, but it has been an area of concern for her.

Anyone know anything about this?

Answer 1

SSI eligibility is based on household income, so yes it could affect her eligibility.

Answer 2

There's a whole questionnaire you can answer to find out on Social Security's web site. Calculates figures and everything.

http://www.ssa.gov/ssi/

Answer 3

It depends whether it is Disability living allowance (DLA) or disability working allowance (DWA) In England one can claim DLA to help with the things one cannot do ie put the money toward a motorbility car, or pay for someone to help carefor her.

In this case she should be allowed to keep at least some of it as she would have been assesed to show that she cannot manage these things without help.

However, with the DWA, that would stop as by taking employment she has shown that she is able to do a paid job. I am unsure as to whether she may be allowed to keep a just portion of the DWA but I really do not think so.

Answer 4

She will not qualify for the SSI payment due to "spousal deeming." This means that your income is considered available to her and the amount you make will disqualify her. She will still be eligible medically, so if you lose your job or experience a severe reduction in income, you need to contact SSI to get the payments resumed.

A similar principle--parental deeming--applies to children who receive SSI. I had two kids on SSI who eventually were disqualified as my income increased.