How Does Marriage Affect Government Benefits?

Many people rely on government benefits to find a place to live, get food to feed their children, or provide for them in times of need. Getting married can change your benefit eligibility and how much you receive in benefits. Before getting married, consider how it will affect your government benefits.

Government benefits include federal and state benefit programs. For more information about government benefits where you live, talk to a local family law attorney.

Does Marriage Affect Eligibility for Government Benefits?

Eligibility for government benefits depends on several factors, including age, household income, and family size. When you get married, the number of people in your household and your household income can change. An increase in household size can increase eligibility for certain government programs. However, an increase in household income can limit the available benefits.

For example, a single mother with a low income may be eligible for food stamps, subsidized child care, and Medicaid. If they get married to someone with a high income, the total household income will increase. You may lose benefits from these welfare programs.

Another way benefits can change after marriage is you may be eligible for certain benefits as a spouse. For example, there are spousal benefits for Social Security. A spouse can get Social Security benefits based on their own work record or their spouse’s work credits. Getting married can increase how much you get in Social Security monthly benefits.

What Types of Government Benefits Change After Marriage?

There are many types of government programs that are affected by getting married. Generally, any program where eligibility is based on income, marital status, or household size can change after marriage. These government benefit programs include:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Social Security Administration benefits
• Medicaid benefits
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Food stamps
• Subsidized child care
• Low-income housing
• Utility bill benefits
• Medicare Part B costs

Is There a Marriage Penalty for Government Benefits?

There are many legal and financial benefits for married couples in America. This includes tax savings, inheritance rights, and health care insurance benefits. However, marriage can limit eligibility for government benefits. A change in combined income could mean losing your government benefits.

Many federal government programs are means-tested benefits. A means test is a way to determine who is eligible for financial assistance. Means testing is generally based on family size, income, and location. Marriage will change your income and family size.

You may lose certain benefits if you have a significantly higher income when you combine your spouse’s income. However, marrying a lower-income spouse with more family members can increase your eligibility for SSI benefits and other programs.

Other programs have different limits for individuals and married couples. Married couples are often subject to lower maximum benefits than if you or your spouse received benefits independently.

Will Marriage Reduce SSI Benefits?

Supplemental Security Income is available for disabled individuals and low-income older people. As a married couple, you will be subject to the maximum SSI benefit. This could be less than what you and your partner are already receiving as an unmarried couple. If your spouse is still working or receiving a pension, a higher household income can reduce your SSI disability benefits.

For example, the maximum monthly SSI benefit for an individual in 2024 is $943. For a married couple, the maximum benefit is $1,415. If two people are receiving the maximum benefit separately, they would receive $1,886 in total as a couple. After marriage, their combined monthly benefit would drop by $471. This can be an incentive for you to continue cohabitating instead of getting married.

It can also be harder for a married couple to qualify for SSI than for single people. To qualify for SSI, you cannot have more than $2,000 in resources. A married couple together cannot have more than $3,000 in resources, compared to $4,000 for a cohabitating unmarried couple.

Does Marriage Reduce Tax Credits?

Most married couples filing jointly see increased tax savings. However, low-income married couples may lose out on some tax credits, including the earned income tax credit (EITC). The EITC has a maximum income limit for receiving credit based on filing status and the number of dependents.

For example, in 2023, the maximum adjusted gross income for a single person with no children was $17,640. The maximum for a childless married couple filing jointly was $24,210. One or both spouses could lose their tax credit if they marry.

How Can a Family Lawyer Help?

Many families rely on government benefits as a safety net. You may meet the right person and decide to get married, but it can take away some government benefits. Look at your finances and consider what will change if you get married. A family lawyer can explain your legal options. If the government denies your benefits claim, an attorney can file an appeal and help you get the government benefits you deserve.