How Will Marriage Affect My Disability Benefits?

Submitted by Daniel on

Last week, we wrote a blog post answering a question that was sent to us through Facebook. We received some great feedback and readers have suggested that they’d like us to make this a regular thing. Please feel free to let us know your thoughts in the comment section below. Tell us what questions you’d like us to answer next week! Today’s question is:

Question: How will marriage affect my disability benefits?

Getting married may affect your disability benefits in a variety of ways. This is largely dependent on what type of benefits you receive—Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

If you receive SSI benefits, you likely already know that eligibility is determined based on your income and financial resources. Once you get married, the SSA will “deem” a portion of your spouse’s income to your record. Essentially, this means that they will consider your future husband or wife’s income to be your income as well. This may significantly reduce your monthly payment or even cause the SSA to terminate your benefits altogether.

It is important to note that, if you live with your significant other but are not yet married, the SSA may still decide to deem some of your partner’s income to your record.

If you receive SSDI on your own earnings record, getting married will have no impact on your benefits—no matter how much money your future spouse earns. If you receive SSDI based on someone else’s earnings record, your benefits could be affected in the following ways:

  • If you receive SSDI benefits under an eligible parent’s record, getting married will cause your benefits to be terminated. The only time benefits will not be terminated in this circumstance is if you are marrying another disabled adult child.
  • If you are currently receiving SSDI benefits on the work record of an ex-spouse, your benefits will be terminated if you remarry. This also applies to individuals who receive SSDI on the record of a deceased ex-spouse who remarry before age 50 if disabled, and before age 60 if not disabled.

Before you make any decisions regarding marriage or disability benefits, you should always consult with an SSA representative. That way, you can avoid unknowingly compromising your benefits. Please feel free to leave additional questions or comments in the section below and we will try our best to answer each of your questions.

Submitted By: Molly Clarke

Blog comments

Bryan

In reply to by ALS (not verified)

HI there,

HI there,
I really could not say if it would be, however to clarify, that means that your taxable income amount would be 85% of your SSDI income, rather than having an 85% tax rate.

Tue, 04/04/2017 - 11:41 Permalink
ALS (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

Yes I know it's 85% of

Yes I know it's 85% of my SSDI income but if we were divorced I wouldn't be taxed at all correct? SSDI is my only income.

Tue, 04/04/2017 - 16:40 Permalink
amanda (not verified)

I am on SSDI and my 9 year

I am on SSDI and my 9 year old also gets a check due to mine. When I get married will my husband also receive a check, like my daughter does?

Tue, 04/04/2017 - 14:27 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by amanda (not verified)

Hi Amanda,

Hi Amanda,

Your spouse may qualify for SSDI benefits if they are caring for your minor child. Your spouse can get benefits if he or she cares for your child who is under the age of 16.

Best Wishes,
Eric

Tue, 04/04/2017 - 16:28 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

What it mean married another

What it mean married another adult disabled child

Tue, 04/04/2017 - 23:51 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
If someone had been disabled before the age of 22 and their parents receive SSA retirement or SSDI benefits, that person may be considered a disabled adult child and would be eligible for benefits based on their parent's work record.

Wed, 04/05/2017 - 09:47 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

If I am drawing did off of my

If I am drawing did off of my deceased husband and I am 61 will I still draw the same amount if I get married

Fri, 04/07/2017 - 09:36 Permalink
Alina (not verified)

Hi! I receive SSDI as a

Hi! I receive SSDI as a single woman. If I get married will this affect my benefits? My benefits are based off of my working income before I became disabled thank u!

Fri, 04/07/2017 - 20:10 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Alina (not verified)

Hi Alina,

Hi Alina,
No, your benefits would not be affected as they are based on your work record prior to becoming disabled.

Mon, 04/10/2017 - 10:02 Permalink
C (not verified)

If ur 12 old receives ssi and

If ur 12 old receives ssi and ur future husband can't afford to take care of all my children because he has to take care of all the bills but can't afford to take care of all my 4 kids because he has to pay 300. Per wk for child support for his 2 that will equal 6 kids total and my 1 kid has Cronic kidney desease can I still collect ssi for my 1 kid ? I always supply clothing ... gas and his needs going to and from doctor appointments every 3 to 6 months also for parking as well and future husband pays all the bills and food need to know please and thank u

Mon, 04/10/2017 - 01:24 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by C (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
The SSA calculates a child's eligibility for SSI based on how much of their family's income is available for the child. Your children may be eligible for benefits even after marriage.

Mon, 04/10/2017 - 10:04 Permalink
Trudy (not verified)

I receive SsA and survivor

I receive SsA and survivor benefits I'm 56 yrs. My boyfriend receives SsI and survivor benefits from his Dads if we marry will are benefits be affected?

Mon, 04/10/2017 - 11:37 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Trudy (not verified)

Hi Trudy,

Hi Trudy,
Your boyfriend's benefits may change as SSI benefits are income based, and the SSA determines SSI benefits based on household income for married recipients.

Tue, 04/11/2017 - 13:53 Permalink
Scarlett (not verified)

Hi my me and my girlfriend

Hi my me and my girlfriend are planning to get married but i was wondering if that will change anything with getting approve for disability. Shes on the process now on her second appeal this disability its base on her own earnings and health condition.

Mon, 04/10/2017 - 16:29 Permalink
TR (not verified)

So im on SSDI. Back in

So im on SSDI. Back in December 2016 Walmart had a class action law suit that apparently got settled and i got a check. Om the W2 it just says a small amount of 153.00 in the wages, tips and salary box. I havent worked there in 14 years! So i didnt think anything of it. Today i get a call from SS office wanting info on when it was paid etc. I couldnt believe how much they are down my throat. The weird part is the award was like 714 or so but on the W2 part it only had the 153.00 because im guessing thats what i actually earned so therefore the rest was like a award or however you want to look at it. So i have to send in the W2 that shows the 153.00 and a copy of the Walmart lawsuit website that says when the paymenta were sent. Now seeing as how my wages tips and salary box is only 153.00, this shouldnt effect my benefits right? I mean i get paid on the 1st and the 3rd of every month. I know people can earn up to a certain amount and nothing changes. So this shouldnt effect either of my pays, right??? Its only 153.80 (to be exact). Thank you.

Mon, 04/10/2017 - 18:11 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by TR (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
If you're on income-based disability benefits, your settlement may affect your benefits as the settlement money would be counted as income.

Tue, 04/11/2017 - 13:52 Permalink
Debi Friis (not verified)

i draw ssi and ssdi off my

i draw ssi and ssdi off my own work. i am 62. if i remarry and my husband is 64 and about to retire. will this effect my ssi and health insurance

Wed, 04/12/2017 - 12:50 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Debi Friis (not verified)

Hi Debi,

Hi Debi,

Your SSI may be affected after your get married. I can't say for sure if your health insurance will be affected though.

Best of Luck,
Eric

Wed, 04/12/2017 - 16:28 Permalink
Dee (not verified)

I'm on ssdi and getting

I'm on ssdi and getting married next week. My gf has no real income other than ssi for one of her children and child support. Will my benefits increase with my supporting her and her 2 minor children?

Thu, 04/13/2017 - 05:08 Permalink
Brenda (not verified)

If my 33 year old fiance

If my 33 year old fiance receives disability and I have no income will his amount change when we get married?

Thu, 04/13/2017 - 16:13 Permalink
Tanya (not verified)

Hi I want to get marry so Im

Hi I want to get marry so Im on ssi and my fiance on ssd he annual income is 14,000 mines is 9,000 will ssa take any money from me with the combine income if we marry. Thank you

Fri, 04/14/2017 - 11:37 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Tanya (not verified)

Hi Tanya,

Hi Tanya,

Getting married may affect your SSI benefits. Your benefits will go from individual to couples rates. Your Fiance's SSD benefits will not be affected however.

Best of Luck
Eric

Mon, 04/17/2017 - 14:16 Permalink
Deborah (not verified)

I AM ON SSD AND GOT MARRIED

I AM ON SSD AND GOT MARRIED,MY DHS WORKER SAID WE MAKE TO MUCH MONEY FOR ME TO GET MEDICAL INSURENCE THROUGH THE STATE,MY HUSBAND HAS INSURENCE THROUGH WORK.WHAT DO I DO FOR INSURENCE NOW? HELP!!!

Sat, 04/15/2017 - 14:33 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Deborah (not verified)

Hi Deborah,

Hi Deborah,
Your husband's insurance may be able to cover you, in addition if you receive SSDI, you would be eligible for Medicare after 24 months as an SSDI beneficiary.

Tue, 04/18/2017 - 12:11 Permalink
Andrew (not verified)

Hi I'm almost 44 years

Hi I'm almost 44 years old and I've been on disability for 20 years my mom passed away in 2007 and now I get one check in her name as well as my medicare benefits, if I get married am I risking loosing my benefits?

Tue, 04/18/2017 - 10:15 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Andrew (not verified)

Hi Andrew,

Hi Andrew,
You may not lose your benefits if you get married, however your eligibility may change. It may be a good idea to contact the SSA regarding this, you can contact them at 1-800-772-1213.

Tue, 04/18/2017 - 12:13 Permalink
Andrew (not verified)

In reply to by Bryan

I also receive my check on

I also receive my check on the 3rd of the month and first so it might not change it at all?

Tue, 04/18/2017 - 16:58 Permalink
Kelley (not verified)

So I'm ssi and my man is

So I'm ssi and my man is going into the military. We are considering getting married before he leaves for training. During the training he won't get paid until after he's done training. Will this effect my benefits?

Tue, 04/18/2017 - 18:04 Permalink
Jillian (not verified)

Hi my question is, I no

Hi my question is, I no longer live with my husband, he cAlled today because he was doing his taxes and wanted to know how he should file, I'm on ssi how will that effect my benefits my monthly amount was much lower when we lived together, but social security changed it when I did a change of address, and let them know we didn't live together any more. If he files married file joint does that screw my benefits $ amount? Or does he file married but separate??? We are lost . He thankfully called so he wouldn't mess my money but I have tried to find the answer online Nd I'm stuck HELP.. Thank you.

Tue, 04/18/2017 - 18:20 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Jillian (not verified)

HI Jillian,

HI Jillian,
I really could not give advice on taxes as I am not an expert in that, however the SSA would assess your eligibility for benefits based on your income and resources, rather than yours and your husbands if you are separated.

Mon, 04/24/2017 - 14:24 Permalink
Sheri Medellin (not verified)

I am receiving social

I am receiving social security disability under my late husband due to lots of spine issues I will have the rest of my life. If I remarry will I lose my social security??

Tue, 04/18/2017 - 20:40 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Sheri Medellin (not verified)

Hi Sheri,

Hi Sheri,
You may be able to keep those benefits under certain circumstances, it may be a good idea to contact the SSA regarding this, you can do so at 1-800-772-1213.

Mon, 04/24/2017 - 16:05 Permalink
Sheila Leighton (not verified)

My husband passed away ,will

My husband passed away ,will I get more on my Disability when I turn 50 .

Fri, 04/21/2017 - 05:03 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Sheila Leighton (not verified)

Hi Sheila,

Hi Sheila,
I'm sorry to hear about that! You may be eligible for benefits based on his work record after you turn 50 and you would be entitled to a lesser benefit based on your own work record.

Mon, 04/24/2017 - 16:06 Permalink
Joeann (not verified)

I can not live on 121from ssi

I can not live on 121from ssi as I am married what do I do?????

Fri, 04/21/2017 - 08:18 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Joeann (not verified)

HI Joeann,

HI Joeann,
You may want to contact your local SSA office, if they had not assessed your eligibility for benefits properly you may have been awarded less than you were entitled to.

Mon, 04/24/2017 - 16:07 Permalink
momw/questions (not verified)

I am 55,single mother on ssdi

I am 55,single mother on ssdi, (from my own income), I am mother and legal guardian to my 22 yr old son, who is disabled also. He collects ssi. he lives with me and is dependant on me.
I'm engaged to be married. If I marry, will my ssdi, or his ssi benefits change, and if so, to what extant?

Fri, 04/21/2017 - 14:13 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by momw/questions (not verified)

Hello,

Hello,

It may affect your son's SSI benefits. Once you are married your spouse's income and resources will count in the calculations Social Security makes about your son's eligibility and benefit level.
Getting married will not affect your SSDI benefits, however.

Best of Luck,
Eric

Tue, 04/25/2017 - 09:33 Permalink
Diane (not verified)

If I get social security, and

If I get social security, and ssi, and the person I want to marry, gets social security, and he gets ssi, will any of this money be taken from us and will any part of our medicare/ medicaid be taken from us ?

Sun, 04/23/2017 - 01:08 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Diane (not verified)

Hi Diane,

Hi Diane,

Getting married will change your partner's SSI benefits. I will change to a couples' rate.

Best of Luck,
Eric

Tue, 04/25/2017 - 09:29 Permalink
Jean (not verified)

I'm on disability and so

I'm on disability and so is my manfriend we both are in our middle 60. We are thinking about getting marry, how will this effect our income

Sun, 04/23/2017 - 02:56 Permalink
tyler (not verified)

I lost my disability because

I lost my disability because I got married. How could I get it back? I severely need my medication

Mon, 04/24/2017 - 12:10 Permalink

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