Remarrying Can Affect Your SSI

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are vital to many Americans' survival. Both older and younger adults who are unable to work can utilize the program if they meet specific requirements. Naturally, there is a lot that people who may qualify for Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits need to understand; particular a life choice can impact your eligibility for assistance. You can do yourself a great service apprising yourself with all the information that the agency provides. 

Whether you are applying for SSI for the first time, or are receiving payments currently, you are required to report any changes in your life regarding financial or employment status. For instance, if you start receiving financial assistance from friends or family members, if you become a parent, or if someone moves into or out of your house. You can see a full list of all the changes in your life that the SSA wants to know, here.

While younger Americans are eligible for SSI, the program is commonly utilized by older demographics. It is a fact that people, by and large, are living longer today than ever before, thanks to advancements in modern medicine. The extension in life expectancy means that people who have lost their spouse may consider remarrying. The details of late in life marriages can impact your benefits, and it is a change that you must report.

Remarrying Affects SSA Benefits

A desire to not spend your golden years alone leads many people to re-tie the knot later in life. In fact, the Pew Research Center published a report in 2014 showing that sixty-seven percent of previously married people ages 55 to 64 had remarried and half of all adults 65 and older had remarried; up from 55 percent and 34 percent in 1960, respectively. Setting aside how older people’s children feel about one of their parents remarrying as it pertains to their inheritance, let's talk about how it can affect people’s benefits.

Hyman G. Darling, president of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, and attorney Lina Guillen, co-authored the book “Living Together: A Legal Guide for Unmarried Couples.” Darling tells The New York Times that the risks attached to later-in-life marriages include:

• Potential loss of government benefits like Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income.
• Loss of pensions or alimony.
• Income and estate tax increases.
• Taking on a new spouse’s debt.

If you are considering marrying late in life, you have every right. Please keep in mind that the change could affect benefits that you rely on every month. Discussing your intentions with an attorney is strongly advised.

SSDI Attorney

If the SSA denied your application for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), The Driscoll Law Corporation can help. Attorney Stephanie Merritt Driscoll can help you or a loved one appeal the SSA’s decision and get the benefits you require. Please contact our office today.