Ask Larry

Could My Spouse's Income Impact My SSI Benefit?

I am a 30 year that is currently on SSI and receiving $600 a month. I am looking at getting married but I am worried that marriage would impact my benefit. Does the spouses income impact my SSI benefit? In addition, I am finishing my degree and am hoping to gain employment next year. I was under the impression that if I do not receive employment then after 3 years the government would wipe out my student loan debt. Is this correct?

Hi,

Yes, a spouse's income and resources can affect a person's SSI (Supplemental Security Income) eligibility or payment amount. Whether or not that would happen in your case depends on the amounts of your prospective spouse's income and resources. There is an SSI screening tool on Social Security's website that may give you some idea: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/.

I've never heard of a program that would wipe out your student loan debt in the event that you don't find a job. That doesn't mean that there isn't such a program, but I've never heard of anything like that.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Apr 24 2018 - 4:17pm
MaxiFi software running on a laptop
Get What's Yours!
Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars with Maximize My Social Security software!
  • Find your maximized strategy
  • Unlimited what-ifs
  • Step-by-Step filing instructions
  • Our software's lifetime-benefit increase for an illustrative couple earning $65K each and planning to take retirement benefits at 62.

    Results will differ based on your specific case and filing strategy.

Getting Started is Easy
Web-based software. Works on ALL browsers. No download.