Love doesn't follow a rulebook—but Social Security definitely does. If you're on disability benefits and thinking about getting married, you need to understand how marriage affects your SSI or SSDI. The rules are different for each program, and the financial impact can range from minimal to significant depending on your situation. Knowing what to expect can help you plan for your future together without unwelcome surprises.
In this article, we'll cover:
- How marriage affects SSI benefits
- How marriage affects SSDI benefits
- The difference between marrying another beneficiary vs. a non-beneficiary
- Impact on healthcare coverage (Medicaid and Medicare)
- Reporting requirements when you get married
- Planning strategies for couples on disability benefits
How Marriage Affects SSI
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program, which means it looks at your financial situation when determining benefits. When you get married, Social Security considers your spouse's income and resources as part of your household—even if your spouse doesn't receive SSI.
The resource limit changes. For an individual, the SSI resource limit is $2,000. For a married couple, it's $3,000 total—not $4,000 as you might expect. If you both had $2,000 in savings before marriage, you'd suddenly be over the limit.
Your spouse's income matters. If your spouse works or has other income, Social Security will "deem" a portion of that income to you, which can reduce or even eliminate your SSI payment. The more your spouse earns, the less SSI you may receive.
The benefit amount changes. The maximum SSI benefit for a married couple where both spouses receive SSI is lower per person than the individual rate. In 2025, the federal SSI rate for an individual is $967 per month, while a couple receives $1,450 total—that's $725 per person rather than $967 each.
For many SSI recipients, marriage to a working spouse can mean losing most or all of their SSI benefits. This is one of the most significant "marriage penalties" in our benefit system, and it's something couples need to carefully consider.
How Marriage Affects SSDI
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) works very differently because it's based on your work history, not your financial need. Your spouse's income and resources do not affect your SSDI benefit amount. Whether your spouse earns nothing or earns $200,000 a year, your SSDI payment stays the same.
Marriage can actually help your household in some SSDI situations. If you receive SSDI, your spouse may become eligible for spousal benefits based on your work record. These benefits can be up to 50% of your SSDI amount, though your spouse must be at least 62 years old (or caring for your child under 16) to claim them.
Additionally, if you pass away, your spouse may be eligible for survivor benefits based on your work record. This can provide important financial protection for your family.
The main consideration for SSDI recipients is whether you also receive SSI. Many people receive both programs (called "concurrent benefits"), and if you do, the SSI portion of your benefits will be affected by marriage as described above.
Marrying Another Beneficiary
The impact of marriage depends partly on your spouse's benefit status.
If you both receive SSI: Your combined benefit will be $1,450 per month (in 2025) instead of $1,934 if you remained single. That's a reduction of nearly $500 per month. Your combined resource limit will be $3,000.
If you both receive SSDI: Neither benefit is affected by marriage. You each continue receiving your own SSDI amount based on your individual work records.
If one receives SSI and one receives SSDI: The SSI recipient may see their benefits reduced because the SSDI payment will be counted as household income. The SSDI recipient's benefits won't change.
If one receives benefits and one works: For SSI recipients, your working spouse's income will likely reduce your benefits significantly. For SSDI recipients, your spouse's income has no effect on your payment.
Impact on Healthcare Coverage
Marriage can also affect your health insurance, which is often just as important as the cash benefits themselves.
Medicaid: If you receive SSI, you likely have Medicaid. Getting married could affect your Medicaid eligibility, especially if your spouse has income or offers employer health coverage. However, many states have Medicaid programs specifically for people with disabilities that have more generous rules. It's worth checking your state's specific policies.
Medicare: If you're on SSDI and have Medicare, your coverage is not affected by marriage. However, you may want to compare your Medicare coverage with any employer coverage your spouse might offer to see which option is better for your situation.
Reporting Your Marriage to Social Security
You must report your marriage to Social Security promptly. For SSI recipients, this is especially important because your benefits may change immediately. Failure to report can result in overpayments that you'll have to pay back.
To report your marriage, contact Social Security by calling 1-800-772-1213, visiting your local Social Security office, or in some cases, through your my Social Security account online. Bring your marriage certificate and your spouse's Social Security number and income information.
Social Security will recalculate your benefits based on your new marital status and your spouse's financial information. If you receive SSI, expect the adjustment to happen within one to two months.
Planning Strategies for Couples
Given the significant impact marriage can have on SSI benefits, some couples choose to explore alternatives or take steps to minimize the financial hit.
Consider an ABLE account. If either partner qualifies for an ABLE account (disability onset before age 26), you can save up to $100,000 without it counting toward SSI resource limits. This can help married couples build savings while protecting benefits.
Understand the tradeoffs. Sometimes the non-financial benefits of marriage—legal protections, inheritance rights, healthcare decision-making, and emotional security—outweigh the financial costs. Make sure you're considering the full picture.
Plan the timing. If one partner is about to start working or get a raise, it might make sense to plan the wedding timing around when benefits would be affected anyway.
Talk to a benefits counselor. Before making major decisions, consider consulting with a certified work incentives counselor or benefits specialist who can run the numbers for your specific situation.
Get legal advice if needed. An attorney familiar with disability benefits can help you understand your options and plan accordingly.
Managing finances as a couple on disability benefits requires extra planning. Purple offers checking accounts designed for people on SSI and SSDI, with tools to help you track your resources and stay compliant—whether you're single or married.