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

Anonymous (not verified)

I am a disabled vet that

I am a disabled vet that receives ssdi and va. I want to get married to a woman that has 5 children under the agae of 18. Will this affect my benefits?

Wed, 02/15/2017 - 11:57 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hello,

Hello,

Getting married will not effect your SSDI benefits.

Best Wishes,
Eric

Wed, 02/15/2017 - 16:05 Permalink
Thai (not verified)

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

When my dad married my mom he

When my dad married my mom he got hurt on job he had to get on ssdi so, he adopted us (3 kids) and we got checks also till 18yrs old something to think about with all those kids if they under 18yrs old hopefully they still do this... $$$

Wed, 02/22/2017 - 02:56 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Thai (not verified)

Hi Thai,

Hi Thai,
Thanks for sharing!
The SSA still offers auxiliary benefits for children of beneficiaries.

Fri, 02/24/2017 - 15:18 Permalink
Ms kinnard (not verified)

What is SSDI?

What is SSDI?

Thu, 02/16/2017 - 09:17 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

Hello, i am on ssdi and

Hello, i am on ssdi and single the mother of my child receives tutor fead from my income and so does my child, we are thinking on getting married and need to know if her benefits may be cancel? Thank you.

Fri, 02/17/2017 - 10:30 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
if you get disability benefits based on your past work history, marriage may not affect your benefits.

Mon, 02/20/2017 - 11:25 Permalink
The Dr (not verified)

If i am receiving benefits as

If i am receiving benefits as an adult disabled child and my future spouse is also disabled but from another country and not receiving benefits how will this affect me

Fri, 02/17/2017 - 14:10 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by The Dr (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
If you're receiving disabled adult child benefits, it may be a good idea to contact your local SSA office before getting married, they can give you information specific to your case.

Mon, 02/20/2017 - 11:25 Permalink
Anonymous (not verified)

I recide in Puerto Rico , i

I recide in Puerto Rico , i recieve 1000 incapacity, the mother of my child and my child recieves 400. Together if i marry her would they loose their benefits? She does not work, and im just courious. Thank you! Ray..

Sat, 02/18/2017 - 06:20 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Anonymous (not verified)

Hi there,

Hi there,
If you get that based on your work history, then you may not have any change in your benefits after marriage.

Mon, 02/20/2017 - 11:26 Permalink
mandy (not verified)

if my husband get ssd and i

if my husband get ssd and i no longer have a job can i get money from his ssd ,we are both over 50.

Sat, 02/18/2017 - 11:39 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by mandy (not verified)

Hi Mandy,

Hi Mandy,
If he's receiving SSDI benefits, then you may be eligible for benefits based off of his if you are disabled.

Mon, 02/20/2017 - 11:27 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by mandy (not verified)

Hi Mandy,

Hi Mandy,
If he's receiving SSDI benefits, then you may be eligible for benefits based off of his if you are disabled.

Mon, 02/20/2017 - 11:27 Permalink
Richard (not verified)

Hi, i wanted to ask my

Hi, i wanted to ask my girlfriend to marry me. She had mentioned to me in the past that she receives ssi for 1 of her 5 children. Will my income effect her sons ssi if we get married?

Mon, 02/20/2017 - 08:06 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Richard (not verified)

Hi Richard,

Hi Richard,
Yes, your income would affect his benefits for SSI as the SSA uses household income to calculate SSI benefits for children.

Mon, 02/20/2017 - 11:28 Permalink
Sonny (not verified)

I'm on ssdi and my wife

I'm on ssdi and my wife hasn't worked in years she is waiting to get ssdi and ssi can she draw off my ssdi when her disability is approved

Wed, 02/22/2017 - 02:51 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Sonny (not verified)

Hi Sonny, she may be able to

Hi Sonny, she may be able to do so under certain circumstances, however she may only be entitled to benefits based on your work record if the amount she would receive on her own is lower than what she would receive based on your benefits.

Fri, 02/24/2017 - 15:19 Permalink
Rosemary (not verified)

I have multiple sclerosis and

I have multiple sclerosis and disabled I don't know if it is Ssi or ssd.. but my question is if I get married will I loose any benefits... my current boyfriend makes very little money .. pls accuse scared to marry cause I feel I'll loose my benefits

Wed, 02/22/2017 - 07:56 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Rosemary (not verified)

Hi Rosemary,

Hi Rosemary,

If you are on SSDI benefits then getting married will not effect your benefits. However, if you are SSI benefits, it may.

Best Wishes,
Eric

Wed, 02/22/2017 - 16:51 Permalink
sarah (not verified)

My husbands son was on SSI

My husbands son was on SSI prior to us marrying. Even though Im not his biological mother does my income effect his SSI?

Wed, 02/22/2017 - 11:03 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by sarah (not verified)

Hi Sarah,

Hi Sarah,

Since the household income is different now that you two are married your income may affect his benefits.

Best Regards,
Eric

Wed, 02/22/2017 - 16:56 Permalink
Edith (not verified)

My bf receive s both

My bf receive s both disability checks .We have been thinking about getting married .The only income I get right now is child support would that affect him in anyway?

Thu, 02/23/2017 - 08:01 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Edith (not verified)

Hi Edith,

Hi Edith,
It may affect his SSI benefits, however it would not affect his SSDI benefits.

Thu, 02/23/2017 - 09:18 Permalink
LeAnne (not verified)

My boyfriend receives a

My boyfriend receives a disability check. We want to get married. I work part time . no more then 35 hours a week but usually 25 hours minimum wage. Will he lose his check if we get married?

Fri, 02/24/2017 - 20:01 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by LeAnne (not verified)

Hi LeAnne,

Hi LeAnne,
I really could not say as there are different benefits programs, however if he gets benefits based off of his income and resources, his benefits may change as the SSA calculates SSI benefits for households at a different rate than individual benefits.

Tue, 02/28/2017 - 12:35 Permalink
Josh (not verified)

If I marry my fiancee and I&

If I marry my fiancee and I'm on ssdi and she has no income can she gets spouse benefits? We are residence of Massachusetts

Mon, 02/27/2017 - 20:17 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Josh (not verified)

Hi Josh,

Hi Josh,
Your spouse may be eligible for benefits, however she may need to be considered disabled by the SSA and over 50 or she may need to have a child in her care.

Tue, 02/28/2017 - 14:00 Permalink
Kim (not verified)

I apply for husbands Social

I apply for husbands Social Security, he has passed. I filed for disability and was not married after 2 years got married should I tell my lawyer and can I still get his disability

Tue, 02/28/2017 - 13:18 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Kim (not verified)

Hi Kim,

Hi Kim,
I'm sorry to hear about that! You may still be eligible for survivor's benefits based on his work record, it may be a good idea to contact your local SSA office regarding this.

Tue, 02/28/2017 - 14:01 Permalink
Laura (not verified)

I'm on ssi and get

I'm on ssi and get medicalaid my fiance works for walmart if we get married what can happen l?

Wed, 03/01/2017 - 12:38 Permalink
Deanna

In reply to by Laura (not verified)

Hi Laura,

Hi Laura,
If you get married, you could be disqualified! If he earns more than $1,100 per month, you will no longer be eligible. Medicaid varies by state so I'm not sure if you'd still be eligible for that.

Mon, 03/06/2017 - 16:37 Permalink
Jack Mac (not verified)

I have been receiving

I have been receiving Sublament Security for my Disability since 1997 and i am 62 year old male, I am thinking about getting married this spring to someone that makes almost six figures and in her mid 50 tys. Am I just going to be living off her salary and getting her insurance. Or am entitled to social security being 62. The last thing I need is to feel like a bum and a disabled one at that. I was told years ago I will never work again and sadly the doctor's were correct. This does not matter to her but I can't let it go. This will only make me feel like less of a man if i can't pull my own weight with some type of money for the rent and food. Desperate for answers on this matter. If i don't get a good answer here my next step is the SSI office. I do understand will have to go there regardless, just looking for a heads up on this problem. Thanks for your time. Jack Mac

Wed, 03/01/2017 - 23:58 Permalink
Deanna

In reply to by Jack Mac (not verified)

Hi Jack,

Hi Jack,
Yes, if you are on SSI and you get married to someone earning 100k+ per year, you will not be eligible for these benefits anymore. I am so sorry for your hardship!

Mon, 03/06/2017 - 16:38 Permalink
Margaret (not verified)

If I'm on disability and

If I'm on disability and get married while my fiance is incarcerated will it effect my disability

Fri, 03/03/2017 - 01:22 Permalink
Deanna

In reply to by Margaret (not verified)

Hi Margaret,

Hi Margaret,
It shouldn't either way if he currently does not have a lot of saved income. If your husband starts earning income when he's released, you may not be eligible for SSI benefits anymore, but you'll always remain eligible for SSDI.

Mon, 03/06/2017 - 16:39 Permalink
Angelita Alonso (not verified)

If will i get affected bye

If will i get affected bye living with some one in there home cause my dissbility is not enough to live alone anymore and pay my medacare and med ins what can i do cant make it with what i get

Fri, 03/03/2017 - 23:02 Permalink
Deanna

In reply to by Angelita Alonso (not verified)

Hi Angelita,

Hi Angelita,
If you're on SSDI, no. If you're on SSI, possibly, but not unless this person is paying for a great deal of your expenses. If it's just a roommate, you should be fine.

Mon, 03/06/2017 - 16:39 Permalink
Nesha (not verified)

I receive sis and I was

I receive sis and I was wondering if I got married could I still receive benefits if husband works

Tue, 03/07/2017 - 13:10 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Nesha (not verified)

Hi Nesha,

Hi Nesha,
If you get married, you may be disqualified. If he earns more than $1,100 per month, you will no longer be eligible.

Best of Luck,
Eric

Tue, 03/07/2017 - 16:16 Permalink
Ryan (not verified)

I'm 25 years old an I&

I'm 25 years old an I've been on SSI for a few years in the amount of 950 a month ive recently found that marriage might affect my benefits. My gf earns about 1600 gross per month an gets child support in the amount of 400 a month for a child of a previous relationship. How will this effect me in we make marriage legal through the state.

Tue, 03/07/2017 - 18:08 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Ryan (not verified)

Hi Ryan,

Hi Ryan,
SSI benefits for married persons are calculated by household, not individual income, so your spouse's income may be partially counted as yours for the purposes of calculating benefits.

Wed, 03/15/2017 - 10:36 Permalink
lona (not verified)

i have a question i had ssi

i have a question i had ssi but when my father died i get his benfits so i now get ssdi from him i was wondering if i get married will i lose my dads benfits

Tue, 03/07/2017 - 20:24 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by lona (not verified)

Hi Iona,

Hi Iona,

I am really sorry to hear that. You will not lose your SSDI benefits if you get married.

Best,
Eric

Wed, 03/08/2017 - 16:32 Permalink
Heather (not verified)

Yes I want to know if I get

Yes I want to know if I get married does my step kids get a check like my own do

Thu, 03/09/2017 - 15:22 Permalink
Eric

In reply to by Heather (not verified)

Hi Heather,

Hi Heather,

If you get married, your step-children may be eligible for Social Security disability dependent benefits.

Best Regards,
Eric

Thu, 03/09/2017 - 16:25 Permalink
Laura (not verified)

Im currently on ssi and have

Im currently on ssi and have been for 5yrs now and im thinking about getting married will my social security get cut off completely?

Thu, 03/09/2017 - 21:04 Permalink
Bryan

In reply to by Laura (not verified)

Hi Laura,

Hi Laura,
If you're still otherwise eligible, your benefits may not be terminated.

Wed, 03/15/2017 - 10:28 Permalink
Dana (not verified)

I have weadower disability

I have weadower disability and I am 59 years old I want to get married and I don't want to lose my disability money tell me what I should do wait or just do it

Sat, 03/11/2017 - 23:47 Permalink

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