Will I Lose my SSI if I get Married

koreycournoyer@gmail.com (Korey Cournoyer) — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 00:29:37 GMT

Will I Lose my SSI if I get Married?

As a Social Security lawyer, I often get asked by clients whether getting married will affect their Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits . This is an important question because SSI provides critical financial assistance to individuals with disabilities and losing those benefits could be devastating.

How Can Marriage Impact SSI Benefits

SSI is a needs-based program that provides cash assistance to people with limited income and resources who are aged, blind, or disabled. To qualify for SSI disability benefits, you must meet certain financial and medical criteria set by the Social Security Administration (SSA).

When you get married, the SSA will consider your spouse's income and resources when determining your eligibility for SSI. Specifically, if your spouse's income and resources exceed the limits set by the SSA, your SSI benefits may be reduced or eliminated.

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I understand that this is already a very stressful time in your life and I am dedicated to making the process as smooth and easy as possible.

In 2023, the maximum federal benefit rate for SSI is $914 per month for individuals and $1,371 per month for couples. If you are currently receiving SSI as an individual and you get married to someone who has income and resources that exceed the limits, the SSA will consider your spouse's income and resources in determining your eligibility for SSI.

It's important to note that not all income and resources are counted by the SSA. For example, if your spouse has income from a disability benefit, such as Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), that income will not be counted against your SSI benefits.

What can you do to Protect Your SSI Benefits if you are Getting Married?

Talk to a Social Security lawyer: A Social Security lawyer can help you understand how your marriage will impact your SSI benefits and can help you develop a strategy to protect your benefits.
Plan ahead: If you are considering getting married, it's important to plan ahead and understand the impact that marriage may have on your SSI benefits. This will give you time to make any necessary adjustments to your financial situation before getting married.

Getting married can impact your SSI benefits, but there are steps you can take to protect your benefits. If you have any questions about how marriage may impact your SSI benefits, don't hesitate to reach out to me for guidance.

Can You Work While on Social Security Disability

koreycournoyer@gmail.com (Korey Cournoyer) — Tue, 09 May 2023 21:08:59 GMT

Can You Work While on Social Security Disability?

How much can you earn?

The number one question that I receive as a Social Security lawyer is: “Can I still work while I apply for or collect disability?” It is not uncommon for clients to believe that they can work “part-time” while applying for or receiving benefits. While the simple answer to the work question is YES, you can work, there are definitely limitations of which you must be aware.

First and foremost, the Social Security Administration will evaluate your pre-tax (gross) earnings to determine your ability to apply for or continue receiving your disability benefits. In 2023, the earnings limit is $1,310 per month for non-blind individuals and $2,190 per month for blind individuals. If an individual earns more than these limits, they will not be eligible to apply for benefits. If you are receiving benefits, the SSA offers several programs that enable an individual to test their ability to work.

The Ticket to Work Program is a program designed to help people who receive Social Security Disability benefits return to work. Under this program, individuals can receive vocational rehabilitation, training, job referrals, and other employment support services to help them find and maintain employment.

An applicant may also qualify for a Trial Work Period while disabled where they can have unlimited earnings for up to nine non-consecutive months. During these nine months, the individual continues to collect their monthly disability while also receiving their earnings. After this Trial Work Period, if the disabled worker continues to work above the earning cap, he/she will not receive a disability payment for any month exceeding the dollar limit but will receive a check for any month which falls below the cap.

The work rules for an individual applying for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) differ. For every pre-tax $2 earned by an applicant for SSI, the individual loses $1 from their SSI check. They do, however, continue to qualify for the Medicaid coverage provided they are still receiving at least $1 in monthly SSI benefits.

Looking for Help?

I understand that this is already a very stressful time in your life and I am dedicated to making the process as smooth and easy as possible.

It's important for individuals receiving disability benefits who are considering working to speak with a Social Security Lawyer to ensure they are following all the necessary rules and guidelines to avoid losing their benefits or jeopardize their ability to apply for the benefits.

Overall, a Social Security lawyer can provide valuable guidance and representation throughout the process of applying for and obtaining Social Security benefits.

If you are looking to apply for Social Security, don’t hesitate to reach out to me . The earlier in the claim process that you hire a representative, the better. You can retain an attorney before you begin the claims process. You can get an evaluation from your attorney of your claim even before you file. Representation can help you with the initial filing and ensure that important information is correctly provided at the beginning of the claim and throughout the entire claim process. You do not have to wait to be denied before you hire an attorney.

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Will I Lose my SSI if I get Married

Will I Lose my SSI if I get Married?

How Can Marriage Impact SSI Benefits

Looking for Help?

What can you do to Protect Your SSI Benefits if you are Getting Married?

Can You Work While on Social Security Disability

Looking for Help?