Imagine being disabled, relying on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to get by, and finding out that if you marry, you could lose your financial support. It’s a tough situation many disabled Americans face, but a new bill is here to change that.
A Step Towards Fairness
U.S. Senators Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) and Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.) have introduced a bill that aims to eliminate the penalty on disability benefits for people who receive SSI and choose to marry. Right now, if you’re receiving SSI and get married, your spouse’s income and assets are factored into your benefits, which can lower or even eliminate your payments. But this new legislation, the Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act, would change that.
Why This Bill Matters
For many disabled people, the decision to marry comes with the harsh reality of losing crucial financial support. Under the current rules, couples who both rely on SSI may see their combined benefits reduced by 25% or more. This is a huge financial burden, especially when the total income is already limited. In fact, some disabled individuals have even chosen to divorce to maintain their benefits, as heartbreaking as that is.
The new bill would make sure that a person’s marital status doesn’t affect their eligibility for SSI or how much they receive. It’s about giving disabled Americans the freedom to marry without the fear of losing their support.
A Push for Change
Senator Chris Van Hollen emphasizes how this bill is a common-sense, bipartisan solution. He believes it will strengthen financial security for people with disabilities while also supporting their personal freedom. “We’re confident in the bill’s prospects,” Van Hollen says.
What You Need to Know
If the bill passes, disabled Americans will no longer have to worry about their SSI benefits being cut due to their marriage. Right now, the maximum SSI benefit is $943 per month, and your countable assets can’t exceed $2,000. If you marry, your benefits can be reduced, and your combined assets can’t go over $3,000. This bill aims to fix that by excluding your spouse’s income and assets when determining your eligibility.
Personal Stories Show the Need for Change
Mary Johnson, an independent Social Security policy analyst, shares heartbreaking examples of couples who have chosen to divorce to avoid losing their benefits. These personal stories highlight the importance of passing this legislation.
Support for the Bill
The bill has already gained the support of several important organizations, including the Autism Society of America, Autism Speaks, and the Muscular Dystrophy Association, among others. This broad backing shows how much change is needed to help disabled Americans live without the fear of financial instability.
Looking Ahead
Financial experts like Krisstin Petersmarck and Alex Beene say that while there may be some challenges in how to make this legislation work with the Social Security program’s budget, the bill has the potential for strong bipartisan support. Both sides of the aisle recognize that the current rules, which haven’t been updated in 40 years, need to change.
In the words of Senator Jerry Moran, “Our policies should support and empower individuals with disabilities to live a full and independent life, including the option to get married.”
Let’s hope this bill moves forward and brings fairness and security to disabled Americans who simply want the freedom to marry without worrying about their future.
