You may have started getting SSI benefits when you were single, but now you’re getting married. While you’re thrilled to have found your soulmate, you’re worried about how your marital status will affect your SSI benefits. Here’s some more information on what to expect now that you’re tying the knot.

How Marriage Affects SSI Benefits

If you get married while you’re receiving SSI benefits, then your monthly payments are likely going to be reduced if your spouse is still earning an income. Your spouse’s income will be “deemed” to belong to you, and when a spouse’s income is more than $392 a month, your benefits could be affected. This is because the Social Security Administration stipulates that your spouse’s shelter and food cost about that much per month, or less.

SSI Limits for a Married Couple

The monthly benefit rate and SSI income limit for a married couple in 2021 are $1,191. Note that income from your spouse’s pension or IRA should not be counted, and if you have children, you can deduct $397 from your spouse’s income for each child.

To calculate your benefits, let’s say your spouse makes money, but you don’t, and you have no children. Take your spouse’s income, subtract $85, then divide it by two. So if your spouse makes $1,500 a month, then do the calculation $1,500-$85/2 = $707.50. Then, take the maximum allowed amount for SSI, $1,191. You’ll do the calculation $1,191-$707.50 = $483.50 for your monthly SSI benefits. You’ll ultimately end up with less than the maximum amount for an individual, which is $794.

Working With Schott Law to Get SSI

If you need help applying for SSDI & SSI, Schott Law is here for you. Maggie Schott is an SSDI & SSI lawyer serving Washington and Idaho. Contact us now at (509) 328-5789 to get started with your SSI application.