Do you want to know the brutal truth about marriage and your SSI? Not only does getting married affect your disability benefits, but the Social Security Administration can use income limits and asset restrictions to strip away the very benefits you depend on for survival. Now, if you’re getting SSDI and not SSI, that’s another story because the eligibility requirements are different. For SSI recipients, however, your financial world could quickly turn upside down. 

Don’t let bureaucratic red tape determine your future. The disability attorneys at Ankin Law have fought for Chicago residents’ rights for years. We know how to protect your benefits before, during, and after marriage. Call us at (872) 529-9377 for a free consultation. 

SSDI vs. SSI When You’re Getting Married

The Social Security Administration operates two disability programs, and your benefit type determines whether marriage becomes a celebration or a financial catastrophe.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits remain largely unaffected by marriage because they’re based on your work history and earnings record. You’ve earned these benefits through years of employment, and the SSA generally can’t take them away simply because you said, “I do.”

Supplemental Security Income (SSI), however, is a different beast entirely. These need-based benefits come with strict income and asset limits. When you marry, your spouse’s income and assets become part of the equation, even if they never intended to support you financially.

How Does Getting Married Affect Disability Benefits?

If you’re receiving SSI, getting married can directly affect your disability benefits in numerous ways. Tying the knot can cause your monthly disability check to be reduced, or even cut off entirely. Your Medicaid coverage could be canceled. Here’s how:

  • Income Limits: The SSA counts both spouses’ income when calculating SSI. If your spouse earns more than a modest amount, your benefit may shrink, or stop completely. In 2025, the earned income limit for SSI is $2,020 per month for an individual, and only $2,985 for couples.
  • Resource Limits: Married couples face a joint asset limit of $3,000, compared to $2,000 for individuals. This can affect eligibility if you both hold savings, property, or investments.
  • Couple’s Rate: The SSA sets a maximum couple’s rate for SSI, which is lower than the sum of two individual benefits. For 2025, the benefit rate is $967 for an individual, and only $1,450 for a couple. This is because the SSA recognizes that the couple lives together and shares household expenses.

For many disabled individuals in Chicago, these rules mean a sharp drop in household income after marriage.

When Can Getting Married Affect SSDI?

Although SSDI benefits are usually safe when you’re getting married, some exceptions apply. 

  • Disabled Adult Child Benefits (DAC): If you’re receiving benefits based on your parent’s record, getting married will typically end them (unless you marry another DAC beneficiary).
  • Spousal Benefits: If you qualify for disability through an ex-spouse’s record, remarriage may impact your payments.

Why This Matters in Chicago

Disability benefits are a lifeline for many Chicago residents. According to the Social Security Administration’s 2023 Annual Statistical Report, nearly 8.5 million people in the U.S. rely on SSI, with over 250,000 Illinois residents receiving payments. For those individuals, marriage can mean the difference between financial stability and struggling to cover basic needs.

How an Attorney Helps Protect Your Disability Benefits When Getting Married

The SSA doesn’t make the rules easy to understand. At Ankin Law, our attorneys know how to:

  • Analyze your case to determine how marriage will impact your disability income.
  • Challenge incorrect SSA calculations or denials.
  • File necessary appeals if your benefits are reduced or cut off.
  • Explore other sources of support to protect your financial future.

We fight to make sure bureaucratic red tape doesn’t destroy your stability.

FAQs About Marriage and Disability Benefits

1. Will I automatically lose my disability benefits if I get married? 

No. It depends on whether you’re on SSDI or SSI. SSDI usually stays intact, but SSI often decreases when you marry.

2. Can my spouse’s income cause me to lose SSI? 

Yes. The SSA counts your spouse’s income and resources, which may reduce or eliminate your SSI benefits.

3. If I’m on SSDI based on my own work record, is my benefit safe? 

Generally, yes. SSDI based on your work history usually doesn’t change if you marry, though certain dependent benefits may stop.

Don’t Risk Your Future. Call the Disability Lawyers at Ankin Law Today

Marriage shouldn’t mean losing the financial support you depend on. At Ankin Law, we fight for disabled individuals in Chicago and throughout Illinois who are at risk of losing benefits due to marriage, SSA errors, or unfair rules. Call us now at (872) 529-9377 or visit our Chicago office.