Marriage Equality for Disabled Adults Act: No More Benefits Penalty for Saying 'I Do'

The Marriage Equality for Disabled Adults Act is a game-changer for disabled adults receiving Social Security benefits. Currently, many disabled adults who rely on Social Security benefits based on their parent's work record lose those benefits if they get married. This bill wipes out that outdated rule, ensuring marriage doesn't mean a financial penalty for this group.

Tying the Knot Without Losing Benefits

This bill is all about making sure that disabled adults have the same right to marry as anyone else, without fear of losing crucial support. Here’s how it works:

• No More Marriage Penalty: The core of the bill (SEC. 2) removes the requirement that adult children with disabilities must remain unmarried to receive Social Security benefits based on their parent's work record. This means individuals can marry without losing their benefits.
• Modernizing the Rules: The bill (SEC. 3) updates how the Social Security Administration views marital relationships. It replaces outdated terms like "husband and wife" with "spouse," reflecting a more inclusive and modern understanding of marriage. It also ensures that if you're considered married for one part of Social Security, you're considered married for all of it.
• Protecting Your Income: When figuring out eligibility and benefit amounts for a married person receiving child's insurance benefits due to disability (or their spouse), the income and resources of one spouse aren't counted towards the other (SEC. 4). Basically, your spouse's income won't disqualify you from benefits, or reduce the amount you receive.

Real-World Impact

Imagine a couple, Sarah and John. Sarah has been receiving Social Security disability benefits since she was a child due to a congenital condition. John works as a mechanic, and they are thinking to get married soon. Under current law, if they marry, Sarah could lose her benefits. This bill changes that. Sarah and John can marry, and Sarah's benefits won't be affected by John's income.

Or consider Maria, who has been receiving benefits and Medicaid coverage due to a disability since childhood. Currently, if she marries, her eligibility for Medicaid could be at risk depending on her spouse's income and the specific rules in her state. This bill (SEC. 5) ensures that Maria can retain her Medicaid coverage, even after marriage, as long as she would have qualified if she were single.

Keeping Medicaid Safe

One of the biggest wins in this bill is the protection of Medicaid eligibility (SEC. 5). For many disabled adults, Medicaid is a lifeline, providing essential healthcare coverage. This bill ensures that even if a disabled adult gets married, they can keep their Medicaid coverage, as long as they'd still qualify if they were single. This is a huge relief for those who rely on Medicaid for their health and well-being.

The Big Picture

This bill (SEC. 6) isn't just about fixing a few rules; it's about recognizing the fundamental right to marry, regardless of disability. It's a clear statement that disabled adults deserve the same choices and opportunities as everyone else. It also emphasizes that these protections should apply no matter where someone lives, pushing back against state-level variations that could undermine these rights. This legislation is a major step forward in ensuring that marriage equality truly includes everyone.