What happens with marriage?

[Naominjw]

This is not for me but for a family member who is planning on getting married next year. She is on SSI. The husband-to-be has a steady job, but is in debt more than he makes. Because of her special needs, he does NOT make enough to possibly cover all her medical-related costs. BUT - she will still lose her income, won't she, because of what he earns???

So much of her care is not even covered by medicare because they are metabolic disorders and food allergies with intestinal malabsorption issues, so she requires special diet and nutritional supplements... all under doctor's orders but not covered--just tax-deductible. She NEEDS that SSI income to buy her food & supplements! Not to mention transportation to numerous doctors including some that are out-of-town.

So, how much can he make without her losing the SSI income? And I suppose her dietary needs will NOT be a part of the equation???

"Naomi"

[peaches]

Her dietary needs, his debt are not part of the deeming of income equation.

Answer to your question depends upon the state of residence, the living arrangement determination, the number of minor children in the household, whether or not they get support from anywhere, the amount of court ordered child support he may be paying, the amount of other income received by both of them from other sources.

You may be able to get a ball park number from an employee at the 800# who can look at a chart based on the state of residence, but it there are other variables, the number from the chart may be wrong.

[Naominjw]

Thanks. No children involved. No extra income from anywhere. Most of his debt is from a huge hospital bill (he had no insurance) and from being in college, that he'll be paying off for the next couple decades. She is disabled (from childhood), and there is no way he could make enough to pay for her care even if he had double his salary.

The family will continue to pay for her care... whatever it takes... but the loss of SSI will be ... well... a loss.

The call will be made... but I'm surprised (I guess I shouldn't be) there are no charts on-line. (?)

[peaches]

I Googled with "SSI deeming chart" and got a bunch of hits. Some were previous years, some were federal benefits only, others were state specific.

Give it a try.

[Naominjw]

I Googled with "SSI deeming chart" and got a bunch of hits. Some were previous years, some were federal benefits only, others were state specific.

Give it a try.

So easy when you know the right word to use in Google! This is exactly the sort of thing I was looking for: http://www.floridaspecialneedslaw.com/uploads/file/2008%20Deeming%20Chart.pdf

or

http://www.wnylc.net/pb/docs/2007%20Deeming%20Breakeven%20Charts.pdf

Thank you so much!

"Naomi"

[teamRN]

N,

I'm just going out on a limb here, but the disability benefits are for HER. If I'm not mistaken, what her husband makes or doesn't make doesn't enter the picture-NOW.

I see in the future, with economic times the way they are now, that if her husband made mega-bux, she might not be approved for as much or be approved at all. Or her what she actually needs the money for might be more closely scrutinized; like how much can her husband reasonably help?

Sounds like this husband to be is in NO position to be counted on to provide financial assistance. He's had a hard road, already. In my experience, social security requires documentation, documentation, documentation.

Like how much monthly does she spend on enteral feedings, tubing and ALL supplies. How much is spent in transport, EVERY month, to docs? How much monthly do medications cost? A flow sheet or chart is a good way to show Social Security. I really think they're going to get more stringent and it's the people who HAVE this information at their fingertips are the ones who won't lose benefits.

She can also call the 800 phone number (800-772_____or something like that) and they can steer her. I've found SS people to be on the most part, helpful. However, they can only give you the information they have at the MINUTE and the latest developments might not have sifted down to them.

When I first started receiving benefits, the figure (then again in Illinois) was $800/month. However, I think that depended on factors like other sources of income, were you supporting someone else and other factors. This year, I think the figure went up to $906/month of extra income, but again, i'm thinking that might be state-dependent.

I'd check with the Social Security Administration for the answer to your question!

Annie ;)

Annie ;)

[Pookie]

N,

I'm just going out on a limb here, but the disability benefits are for HER. If I'm not mistaken, what her husband makes or doesn't make doesn't enter the picture-NOW.

I see in the future, with economic times the way they are now, that if her husband made mega-bux, she might not be approved for as much or be approved at all. Or her what she actually needs the money for might be more closely scrutinized; like how much can her husband reasonably help?

Sounds like this husband to be is in NO position to be counted on to provide financial assistance. He's had a hard road, already. In my experience, social security requires documentation, documentation, documentation.

Like how much monthly does she spend on enteral feedings, tubing and ALL supplies. How much is spent in transport, EVERY month, to docs? How much monthly do medications cost? A flow sheet or chart is a good way to show Social Security. I really think they're going to get more stringent and it's the people who HAVE this information at their fingertips are the ones who won't lose benefits.

She can also call the 800 phone number (800-772_____or something like that) and they can steer her. I've found SS people to be on the most part, helpful. However, they can only give you the information they have at the MINUTE and the latest developments might not have sifted down to them.

When I first started receiving benefits, the figure (then again in Illinois) was $800/month. However, I think that depended on factors like other sources of income, were you supporting someone else and other factors. This year, I think the figure went up to $906/month of extra income, but again, i'm thinking that might be state-dependent.

I'd check with the Social Security Administration for the answer to your question!

Annie ;)

Annie ;)
I believe if the person is collecting SSDI marriage & the amount of $$$ a spouse makes does not come into play. I can marry the richest man in the world & will still be able to keep 100% of my SSDI.

The original poster stated the person is collecting SSI which is a form of welfare disability benefits for folks who have a very limited work history or none at all. Different rules apply to SSI recipients which Peaches has already pointed out.

[Naominjw]

The original poster stated the person is collecting SSI which is a form of welfare disability benefits for folks who have a very limited work history or none at all. Different rules apply

Yes. Disabilty was early-on so there is no work history, so does not qualify for SSDI -- just SSI which will be revoked upon marriage. Some may say that well, then, they simply should not marry. That just is not an emotional/spiritual/social option for them, although personally, I couldn't care less.

But SSI should take into account the amount her care actually costs. It does not. Some day she may no longer need SSI because she will be able to work. That's the goal... but she needs more time... a few more years....

-"Naomi"

[sophie ny]

I know income guidelines for couples went up because of the economy.
I also wondered the same thing.:)
I also wondered if they send your back pay once your not eligible for ssi.?
I also wondered if your spouse can collect your ss. when he or she turns 60? *mom1