quote:

ORIGINAL: WinsomeDefiance

I read the SSI Handbook and here's a couple things to consider. 

I don't think it matters if you are living in a Common Law state.  SSI is Federal, their rules are the same (as far as I know) in every state. 

The handbook says:

A man and woman are married for SSI purposes if: They are living in the same household and are married under the laws of their State; They are holding themselves out as husband and wife to the community in which they live; or One is entitled, as the spouse of the other, to Social Security benefits.

Just living together, and presenting as husband and wife could be grounds for the SSI to determine that you are a married couple (for SSI purposes) and evaluate you as a couple. 

That's how I understand it.  When it comes to government red-tape, it is safer and wiser to assume that the loopholes are there for THEIR benefit, not yours.

WinD

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ORIGINAL: Toppingfrmbottom

At this point, no he has no health insurance. He can't afford it. But if we got to the marrying part of things, health insurance would be one of the things he'd need to have before we tied the knot. I probably would still get better benefits with my coverage than him though even if he could afford it and had insurance. I don't know all the extent of what medical and medicare covers, but it's probably better than he can get.

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ORIGINAL: LafayetteLady
but as for benefits, doesn't he have any? As his wife, he will be able to claim you on his insurance.

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ORIGINAL: LadyConstanze


Not to be mean, but what would you have to gain by marrying him? You'd lose your health coverage for being his "wife", sounds like a no brainer to me.

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ORIGINAL: LafayetteLady


Because you get SSI for a disability, and receive medicare, that is with Social SECURITY. Social SERVICES (aka welfare) qualifies you for services under different rules. If you are receiving medicare AND medicaid, it is likely that they have not considered his income. If you receive those welfare services, have you made them aware that you are living with someone? Because medicaid becomes available for people whose SSI payments are so low that they need medicaid to help them pay for it.

It sounds like a very complicated system, but it really isn't once you understand who is who and who is giving you what.

Of course, Canada would make you not lose your benefits and he would gain healthcare.

But as LC said, you have nothing to gain by getting married given your current circumstances. I know you would like the benefits afforded a spouse, but honestly those can be gained with medical directives and proper estate planning (your will, etc.).

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ORIGINAL: Iamsemisweet

No kidding. How horrible that people have to make choices about whether to marry or where to live based on arcane SSI rules.

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ORIGINAL: LafayetteLady

Technically, even though you are living together and not "claiming" to be husband and wife, the Social Security Administration AND your local Social Services CAN consider his income when qualifying you for benefits.

For instance, if your rent is $1000.00 per month, they consider him to owe half, so your rent would only be calculated at $500.00 per month. Likewise with food stamps. They will consider that you are sharing meals and shopping for both with the food stamps and therefore look at his income.

Because you get SSI for a disability, and receive medicare, that is with Social SECURITY. Social SERVICES (aka welfare) qualifies you for services under different rules. If you are receiving medicare AND medicaid, it is likely that they have not considered his income. If you receive those welfare services, have you made them aware that you are living with someone? Because medicaid becomes available for people whose SSI payments are so low that they need medicaid to help them pay for it.

It sounds like a very complicated system, but it really isn't once you understand who is who and who is giving you what.

Of course, Canada would make you not lose your benefits and he would gain healthcare.

But as LC said, you have nothing to gain by getting married given your current circumstances. I know you would like the benefits afforded a spouse, but honestly those can be gained with medical directives and proper estate planning (your will, etc.).

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ORIGINAL: angelikaJ

The rules for medicaid if one is disabled are a bit different income wise.
And usually if one is eligible for medicaid then medicaid will pick up the medicare premium.

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ORIGINAL: Musicmystery

We could also call it reality...and we could keep it on the P&R board.

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ORIGINAL: FirmhandKY

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ORIGINAL: Musicmystery

We could also call it reality...and we could keep it on the P&R board.

Is there something wrong with my post, MM?

Firm

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ORIGINAL: LafayetteLady

Honestly, if you have to ask, then there is no point in actually telling you. You still wouldn't get it.