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SSI Benefits for the Digital Age: Navigating Online Applications and Virtual Hearings

Legal26

Marriage is a significant life event that can bring joy, companionship, and support. However, for individuals receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), marriage can also bring changes to their benefits. Understanding how SSI benefits are affected by marriage is crucial to avoid unexpected reductions or interruptions in payments. At the American Disability Action Group, we are here to help our clients navigate the digital age of SSI benefits in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, and Louisiana.

How Marriage Impacts SSI Eligibility and Benefits

SSI is a needs-based program designed to provide financial assistance to individuals with limited income and resources who are elderly, blind, or disabled. Because SSI is means-tested, any changes in income or resources—such as those resulting from marriage—can affect eligibility and benefit amounts.

When you get married, the Social Security Administration (SSA) considers both your income and your spouse’s income when determining your SSI eligibility and benefit amount. This is known as the “deeming” process. In states like Arkansas and Oklahoma, if your spouse has a substantial income, it may be deemed to you, potentially reducing or eliminating your SSI benefits. The SSA uses a portion of your spouse’s income to determine if your combined income exceeds the federal benefit rate (FBR) for SSI.

SSI also has strict resource limits. As of 2024, an individual can have up to $2,000 in resources, while a married couple is allowed up to $3,000. This means that in states like Mississippi and Tennessee, if the combined resources of you and your spouse exceed the $3,000 threshold, your SSI benefits may be affected. Resources include cash, bank accounts, stocks, bonds, and other assets that can be converted to cash. However, some resources, like your primary home and one vehicle, are excluded.

Getting married can result in a reduction of SSI benefits due to the combined income and resource limits. For example, in Texas, if both spouses receive SSI, the SSA considers them an “eligible couple” and applies a different benefit rate. As of 2024, the federal benefit rate for an eligible individual is $914 per month, while for an eligible couple, it is $1,371 per month. This means that if two individuals receiving $914 each in SSI get married, their combined benefits may decrease to $1,371, representing a loss of $457.

What to Consider Before Getting Married

Before tying the knot, SSI recipients in Louisiana and other states should carefully evaluate how marriage might impact their benefits. Here are a few considerations:

  • Review Combined Income and Resources: Assess the income and resources of both you and your potential spouse. This will help you understand how your combined financial situation will affect your SSI benefits.
  • Consult with a Social Security Expert: Speaking with a Social Security expert or a disability attorney can provide personalized advice on how marriage may impact your SSI and help you navigate the complexities of SSI regulations.
  • Report Changes Promptly: If you do get married, it is crucial to report the change to the SSA promptly. Failure to report changes in your marital status can result in overpayments, which you may have to repay, and could potentially lead to penalties.

Seek Legal Assistance

Marriage can have a significant impact on your SSI benefits, affecting both income and resource limits and potentially reducing your monthly payments. For residents of Arkansas, Oklahoma, Mississippi, Tennessee, Texas, and Louisiana, understanding these changes is crucial to make informed decisions and avoid unexpected financial consequences. At the American Disability Action Group, our Arkansas & Nationwide SSI Attorneys are here to help you navigate these changes and ensure you receive the benefits you deserve. Contact us today to learn more about how marriage may affect your SSI benefits and what steps you can take to protect your financial future.

Source:

ssa.gov/policy/docs/issuepapers/ip2003-01.html

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