If you are awarded SSI disability benefits, how is your marital status going to effect your benefits? SSA has certain rules that determine if you are actually “married” or not for benefit purposes!
Two individuals are married for SSI purposes if they are:
- Legally married under the laws of the state where they make their permanent home (Note: all states must permit and recognize same-sex marriages)
- Entitled to Title II benefits, one as the spouse of the other; or
- Living together in the same household and holding themselves out as a married couple to the community in which they live.
“Holding yourself out as a married couple” is not an exact science, but SSA will consider the following things (listed in order of importance) to determine if you and a significant other are considered “married” for SSI purposes:
- Mortgages, leases, property deeds, bank accounts, insurance policies, passports, tax returns, credit cards.
- Information (preferably documents) from other government programs, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), public housing, etc.
- Magazine or newspaper subscription labels, personal mail.
- Statements from relatives, close friends, or neighbors.
Whether or not SSA considers you to be married can have a big impact on your benefits, so be sure to review your status or call us up to discuss!
