Ask Larry

Will Our Marriage Affect My Husband's Benefits?

My husband is 78 years old and is sickly. We got married October last year. I am 53 years old now. My husband is only receiving a little over 1200 from his social security pension. He failed to report to the social security that he got married. I cannot work because I have to take care of him . I am thinking of applying for IHSS to at least be able to augment our finances since our apartment rentals is raising. His annual income is a little over 17000 only.. He is afraid that if he reports that he got married the social security will deduct from his small pension. May you please explain this to us?We are surviving yes but since his medical expenses is growing,I am afraid that one day we won't even be able to afford our rent . Please tell us what to do.

Hi,

I'm sorry to hear about your husband's illness.

Assuming that your husband is receiving Social Security retirement or widowers benefits, your marriage wouldn't affect his benefits at all. Furthermore, your income and assets would have no bearing on your husband's benefit rate.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Jul 19 2017 - 7:36am
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