When you get married, you can lose some of your Social Security benefits. You may also lose some of your SSI benefits if you get divorced. The SSA calls this a “dual eligible” situation. In the past, married women would lose their benefits when they remarried, but a recent law change allows widows to remarry and keep the benefits.
The answer to this question depends on your financial circumstances. If you and your spouse are still under the poverty line, you may be able to keep your Medicaid coverage. However, if you have a new job that pays more, your coverage could be at risk. In such a case, you may be able to appeal the decision. However, the appeals process varies from state to state. You must submit a written request and include supporting documentation.
If you are receiving Social Security benefits, you should report your marriage to the Social Security Administration. In addition, you should report any name change. If you do not know the exact requirements, you can contact a Social Security attorney. They can give you intelligent answers to your questions.
In addition to your own income, your spouse’s income will count toward your SSI eligibility limits. If you are over the limits, you could end up losing your benefits. Social Security has a complicated formula for calculating your spousal income. For more information, see our article on Social Security’s spousal income limits.
