Ask Larry

How Would A Divorce Affect Our Benefits?

Im on ssi and my wife is on ssi and ssdi. How will it affect our benefits if we got a divorce?

Hi,

My expertise is limited to Social Security benefits, and I only have a limited knowledge of Supplemental Security Income (SSI). All I can tell you for sure is that a divorce would have no effect on your wife's Social Security disability benefits (SSDI).

What, if any, effect that a divorce would have on your SSI benefits depends on a number of variables, such as your living arrangements following the divorce. If you and your wife would be living separately in your own households following a divorce, you may qualify for up to the current maximum monthly SSI rate of $771. And, your wife's combined SSI and SSDI amount could be up to as much as $791. However, if either of you have other income or support with paying your bills, your payment rate could be lower. An SSI representative with access to your records should be able to answer your question.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Jan 19 2019 - 11:01am
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