New bill seeks to increase benefits for certain Social Security recipients
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For many Americans, Social Security offers a sense of stability in retirement—but what if marriage meant losing some of that support? A new bill aims to change the game for couples facing financial penalties.
Could this be the breakthrough Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients have been waiting for?
Currently, SSI benefits are calculated with a keen eye on income and resources, and when recipients marry, their spouse's financial situation is taken into account.
This can lead to a reduction or even elimination of benefits—a phenomenon known as the “marriage penalty.”
It's a policy that has long been criticized for unfairly punishing those who rely on SSI, particularly individuals with disabilities, for choosing to marry.
The Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act (EMPSA), introduced by Senators Jerry Moran and Chris Van Hollen, seeks to rewrite this narrative by excluding a spouse's income and assets from the determination of benefits for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
“Our policies should support and empower individuals with disabilities to live a full and independent life, including the option to get married,” Senator Moran stated in a press release.
Let's break down the numbers.
As of 2025, an individual on SSI can receive a maximum payment of $967, while a married couple where both partners are on SSI can receive $1,450.
That's a stark 25 percent decrease in combined monthly benefits when compared to two unmarried individuals receiving SSI separately.
Additionally, the resource limit for individuals is $2,000, but for married couples, it's only $3,000—not $4,000 as one might expect.
This effectively slashes the per-person asset allowance by 25 percent upon marriage.
If passed, the EMPSA would usher in significant changes:
1. Higher benefits
Married SSI recipients would no longer see their benefits reduced due to their spouse's financial situation.
2. Expanded protections
Adults over 18 with intellectual or developmental disabilities would be protected under the new rules.
3. Adjusted deeming rules
The bill would remove the “deeming” of spousal income and resources that currently affects eligibility and benefit amounts.
The proposed changes would take effect 180 days after the bill's passage, offering a clear timeline for those affected to prepare for the adjustments.
Since 1975, SSI benefits have seen incremental increases, but the gap between individual and married couple benefits has remained, highlighting the enduring marriage penalty.
EMPSA aims to close this gap, ensuring that marriage doesn't come with a financial downside for adults with disabilities.
The bill has garnered bipartisan support and advocacy from various organizations.
Senator Chris Van Hollen expressed optimism about the bill's prospects, emphasizing its role in strengthening financial security for people with disabilities.
"I'm working alongside Senator Moran to build support for this legislation that will help people with disabilities strengthen their financial security while supporting their freedom to marry. As a common-sense, bipartisan solution, we'll be looking for opportunities to pass this bill, and I'm confident in its prospects," Senator Van Hollen said.
Darcy Milburn of The Arc of the United States and Ayesha Elaine Lewis of the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund have also highlighted the need for higher SSI benefits and the removal of outdated rules that keep beneficiaries in poverty.
"There is no question that SSI benefits need to be higher... Congress also needs to update outdated rules that trap SSI beneficiaries in poverty, penalize them for marrying, create barriers to work, and constrain their financial independence," Milburn stated.
"Because the [Americans with Disabilities Act] has a beautiful promise of full integration into society, of people with disabilities being able to live their destinies and make their life what they want of it.
But with [the marriage penalty] still in place, it's obvious that the full promise of the ADA hasn't been implemented," Lewis added.
The EMPSA has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee for further consideration.
If enacted, it will necessitate updates to Social Security Administration systems and communication efforts to ensure recipients are fully informed about the new rules.
For eligible individuals, this legislation represents a beacon of hope—a chance to enjoy the benefits of marriage without the financial penalties that have long cast a shadow over their decisions.
Are you or a loved one affected by the SSI marriage penalty? What are your thoughts on the proposed changes? Share your stories and opinions in the comments below.
Could this be the breakthrough Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients have been waiting for?
Currently, SSI benefits are calculated with a keen eye on income and resources, and when recipients marry, their spouse's financial situation is taken into account.
This can lead to a reduction or even elimination of benefits—a phenomenon known as the “marriage penalty.”
It's a policy that has long been criticized for unfairly punishing those who rely on SSI, particularly individuals with disabilities, for choosing to marry.
The proposed legislation would raise benefits and expand protections for eligible individuals by altering deeming rules and asset limits for married couples. Image source: Thomas Lin/Pexels.
The Eliminating the Marriage Penalty in SSI Act (EMPSA), introduced by Senators Jerry Moran and Chris Van Hollen, seeks to rewrite this narrative by excluding a spouse's income and assets from the determination of benefits for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities.
“Our policies should support and empower individuals with disabilities to live a full and independent life, including the option to get married,” Senator Moran stated in a press release.
Let's break down the numbers.
As of 2025, an individual on SSI can receive a maximum payment of $967, while a married couple where both partners are on SSI can receive $1,450.
That's a stark 25 percent decrease in combined monthly benefits when compared to two unmarried individuals receiving SSI separately.
Additionally, the resource limit for individuals is $2,000, but for married couples, it's only $3,000—not $4,000 as one might expect.
This effectively slashes the per-person asset allowance by 25 percent upon marriage.
If passed, the EMPSA would usher in significant changes:
1. Higher benefits
Married SSI recipients would no longer see their benefits reduced due to their spouse's financial situation.
2. Expanded protections
Adults over 18 with intellectual or developmental disabilities would be protected under the new rules.
3. Adjusted deeming rules
The bill would remove the “deeming” of spousal income and resources that currently affects eligibility and benefit amounts.
The proposed changes would take effect 180 days after the bill's passage, offering a clear timeline for those affected to prepare for the adjustments.
Since 1975, SSI benefits have seen incremental increases, but the gap between individual and married couple benefits has remained, highlighting the enduring marriage penalty.
EMPSA aims to close this gap, ensuring that marriage doesn't come with a financial downside for adults with disabilities.
The bill has garnered bipartisan support and advocacy from various organizations.
Senator Chris Van Hollen expressed optimism about the bill's prospects, emphasizing its role in strengthening financial security for people with disabilities.
"I'm working alongside Senator Moran to build support for this legislation that will help people with disabilities strengthen their financial security while supporting their freedom to marry. As a common-sense, bipartisan solution, we'll be looking for opportunities to pass this bill, and I'm confident in its prospects," Senator Van Hollen said.
Darcy Milburn of The Arc of the United States and Ayesha Elaine Lewis of the Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund have also highlighted the need for higher SSI benefits and the removal of outdated rules that keep beneficiaries in poverty.
"There is no question that SSI benefits need to be higher... Congress also needs to update outdated rules that trap SSI beneficiaries in poverty, penalize them for marrying, create barriers to work, and constrain their financial independence," Milburn stated.
"Because the [Americans with Disabilities Act] has a beautiful promise of full integration into society, of people with disabilities being able to live their destinies and make their life what they want of it.
But with [the marriage penalty] still in place, it's obvious that the full promise of the ADA hasn't been implemented," Lewis added.
The EMPSA has been referred to the Senate Finance Committee for further consideration.
If enacted, it will necessitate updates to Social Security Administration systems and communication efforts to ensure recipients are fully informed about the new rules.
For eligible individuals, this legislation represents a beacon of hope—a chance to enjoy the benefits of marriage without the financial penalties that have long cast a shadow over their decisions.
