If a man and woman live together, and she draws a social security check, does he have to report his income?

Question

My girlfriend and I live together, but we signed papers stating we're not common law-marriage at the social security office. If we had'nt all of her benefits would have stopped. Anyways, we don't split the bills. She pays rent, and a few odd things here and there. Over all I pay for everything else. My 2 problems are these: 1. I only draw $152 a week on unemployment, which doesn't go far. 2. My mother who is her payee guardian is reporting every nickle and dime I get. By national standards we're well below the poverty line. We don't even own any thing to our names. Not even any perks like cable or satellite. But, because my mother insist on reporting my income, social security is talking about cutting her check off. If we're not common law then should'nt are incomes be separate and not be counted as a household status?

Answer 1

Technically when these questions are asked you are expected to answer truthfully, but that's besides the point. Why in the h**l is your mom claiming your income? I never understood why parents do that kind of s^i&. It's obvious that you guys can use a break. Anyway good luck but household income is household income. You live under her roof so she has the right to do it. Time to make a power move my man.

Answer 2

I assume she is receiving SSI. SSI is based on household income. Since you are in the household,your income must be reported. Doesn't matter if you are married or not. Not reporting it would be considered fraud. If your mother is her payee,it is her responsibility to report your income,she could be looking at charges herself if she didn't.

If you want to continue with the benefits,you have to follow the rules.

Answer 3

Social Security benefits are based on your earnings history.  Who you are living with and who pays the bills is irrelevant.  SSI is federal welfare and requires honest reporting.

Answer 4

You are not married, so you would file separate income tax returns, so I don't really see what the problem is there.

With her benefits, your paying some of the common bills may affect the amount she is able to collect as you are essentially a roommate.

You can call the Social Security Office and ask these questions yourself, or better yet, look up their web site and see if you can research the info yourself.

Answer 5

Everything must be reported or you may face criminal charges for welfare/benefit fraud.  This is a felony and is rigorously prosecuted.  

Answer 6

Your GF must be getting SSI, not Social Security income that is based on a person's earnings over 10 years. SSI will decrease, or even be terminated, if you are contributing to her income, or even paying part of the rent. The Social Security Admin considers that "income in kind" and it could affect her benefits.