Does retirement affect SSI?
My husband and I both get Supplemental Security Income (SSI) of $1011.50 between us, and he's going to retire at 52. Will that affect my SSI? And will he still get SSI?
Expert Answer
Eligibility for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and the amount of benefits someone receives from the program, depends on two different things. First, you have to qualify as blind, disabled or over 65. Second, you must have very low income and assets.
In your case, you are already receiving SSI but wonder whether your husband's retirement will affect your and his eligibility for the program, or the amount of benefits you receive. The answer depends entirely on what his "retirement" means in terms of income. If he will get a retirement pension of some sort which will increase your joint monthly income, then the amount of that pension will be counted by the SSI program in determining whether you both still meet the low-income requirements. If, on the other hand, his retirement means that he will be earning less money, then it's possible that the amount of your SSI benefits will go up slightly. With regard to SSI, the key thing is not the idea of retirement but the actual amount of total, regular income you are both receiving.