Will I lose my Supplemental Security Income benefits if I become my future husband's payee?

Recently, this question came up: "Will I lose my Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits if I become my future husband's payee?" Since Social Security and disability are so confusing, this is a fair question that needs an answer. As simple as the question seems to be, though, the answer is not as straightforward as you would expect. Why? Well, because the answer is both "yes" and "no."

First, the no: For most people, receiving a monthly benefit means you get a check, direct deposit, or monthly card with your benefit amount to use as you see fit. If someone has a designated payee, the money might go to that other individual, but it still technically belongs to the person who was awarded the benefit. So, if you become someone's designated payee, that money you are receiving on their behalf is still their money, not yours. Even though it comes to you, that monthly benefit still belongs to them. The reason that person has a designated payee is because, for some reason, the SSA has determined that they are not able to keep track of their payments. There are many reasons that this could happen, but that's not important right now. What is important to remember is that your monthly benefit is your money, and your future husband's money is his, regardless of who his designated payee is.

Next, the yes: Even though simply being named someone's payee won't cause you to lose your benefits, getting married might. This is because the SSA has a predetermined income/asset amount that you must stay under in order to qualify for SSI benefits. Once your income exceeds that amount, you are in danger of having your payments taken away. In 2017, the monthly limit the SSA will allow for a couple is $1,103. If getting married and adding your husband's payments to your household means that your monthly income exceeds this threshold, then you will lose your payment. Not because you are the payee, though: but because you are married and the money is his. This would happen no matter who the payee is, because that money is still his, and therefore part of your household income after you get married.

You should also know that, to the SSA, being married doesn't have to mean actually, legally, being married. Just living with your partner for a length of time might be enough, in the eyes of the SSA, to start considering your income and assets together. To know more or getting free case review, you can ask the representative @ London Disability or visit www.londondisability.com/ssi