Marriage is a big life change—and if you receive SSI, it can significantly affect your benefits. Here's what you need to know before and after saying "I do."
In this article, we'll cover:
- How marriage affects SSI eligibility
- Changes to your benefit amount
- New resource limits for couples
- What to report and when
1. How Marriage Affects SSI Eligibility
Your spouse's income matters:
- SSA counts your spouse's income when determining your SSI
- This is called "deeming"
- Even if your spouse doesn't receive SSI
- Could reduce or eliminate your benefit
Deeming rules:
- Spouse's income partially counted toward your SSI
- Some exclusions and deductions apply
- The more your spouse earns, the less SSI you may receive
- Could disqualify you entirely if spouse earns enough
If your spouse also receives SSI:
- Both incomes considered
- But couple rate may apply
- Different calculation than two individuals
2. Changes to Your Benefit Amount
Individual vs. couple rate:
- Individual maximum: ~$967/month (2026)
- Couple maximum: ~$1,450/month (2026)
- Couple rate is less than 2x individual
- You're not just adding two checks together
Example:
- Before marriage: You get $967/month
- After marriage (both on SSI): Combined ~$1,450/month
- That's ~$725 each instead of $967
- About 25% less per person
If spouse works:
- Spouse's earnings reduce your SSI
- After exclusions and deductions
- May reduce benefit significantly
- Calculate before getting married
3. New Resource Limits for Couples
The limits change:
- Individual: $2,000
- Couple: $3,000
Important: The couple limit is NOT $4,000 (double). It's only $3,000.
What counts:
- Both your resources combined
- Bank accounts (even if separate)
- Property
- Vehicles (beyond one)
- Investments
If spouse isn't on SSI:
- Their resources may still count
- Deeming applies to resources too
- Could push you over the limit
- Plan carefully before marriage
Important: Getting married on the 2nd of the month instead of the 1st gives you one more month before the new limits apply.
4. What to Report and When
You must report:
- Your marriage (immediately)
- Spouse's income
- Spouse's resources
- Any changes in living situation
How to report:
- Call SSA: 1-800-772-1213
- Visit local office
- Report within 10 days of the change
What happens next:
- SSA will recalculate your benefit
- May request documentation
- Changes usually effective the month after marriage
- Expect an adjustment period
Failure to report:
- Can result in overpayments
- You'll have to pay money back
- Possible penalties
- Always report promptly
Planning Ahead
Before marriage:
- Calculate how spouse's income affects your SSI
- Consider the resource limit change
- Think about timing (which day of the month)
- Consult a benefits counselor if unsure
Alternatives to consider:
- ABLE accounts for excess resources
- Spend down before the 1st of the month
- Understand that living together may trigger "holding out" rules
Special considerations:
- Some couples choose not to legally marry
- "Holding out" as married may still affect SSI
- Living together has its own deeming rules
- Get personalized advice for your situation
How Purple Helps
- Track combined resources
- Monitor the $3,000 couple limit
- Clear visibility for both partners
- Alerts before you exceed limits
- Easy record keeping