Can you benefits (ssi) for children with autism if your married but not to the absent parent?

Question

Well I was denied for disability through (SSI) because they say my husband make to much money well my husband isn't the father of my child. Though he has taken full responsibility without a doubt I was just curious if anyone would know the answer to this question.

Answer 1

SSI benefits for children under the age of 18 is based upon what would be considered income of a household in which the child lives. So, regardless of your husband not being the bio parent of your disabled child, he is your legal husband and his income is considered. If you had not married, then only your income would have been considered. When your child reaches 18 that household income will not be a consideration - only his income. Then there will be a whole other set of considerations that will impact your and the disabled child's finances after age 18.

The whole system is not set up to promote marriage and the amount of income considered is ridiculous considering how much it costs to to raise a disabled child. We were even advised on several occassions to divorce in order for our autistic sons to receive benefits.