If you're married, they take TCG's income into your SSDI calculations, correct? He'd made too much for you to qualify? Sorry about the news, sj. I know how frustrating that is.

It's slight more complicated. I don't qualify for SSDI at all if I get married, unless I marry someone else who was also declared handicapped as a child. I don't qualify to apply for SSI because of TCG's income.

ION, It's TCG's birthday, right? Happy Birthday wishes for him!

Yes, it is! He opened his prezzies last night and is spending today registering his new car.

Hubby must be on SSI, then.

Hubby must be on SSI, then.

It's probably different for your Hubby, Connie. He was rendered disabled as an adult, while I was born disabled. So, he is able to collect under all of the money he put in to SS over the years. I have to collect on what my parents put into it. Different rules for different circumstances.

Oh, yeah, that would make a difference.

Nephew J is having his heart tests done this week. So far the news is: no surgery on the pace maker, no surgery on the leaky valve, and possible surgery on the blocked artery. Any ~ma you have to spare for him this week would be so appreciated.

So, that must be McCain's secret privatization plan. Marry us all to beer heirs. not to mention that I think they call it a fixed income cause it makes me feel neutered.

Yikes, sj! Nothing like that kind of governmental asstwattery that makes you motivate to NOT get married!

I think they call it a fixed income cause it makes me feel neutered.

So true.

Yikes, sj! Nothing like that kind of governmental asstwattery that makes you motivate to NOT get married!

Yeah, I think this is one of the subconscious reasons I have been putting off planning the wedding because I just didn't want to deal with this.

Nothing like that kind of governmental asstwattery that makes you motivate to NOT get married!

And they wonder why some parents don't bother with the legalities.

yeah, I don't blame you. Well, there's no rush at least.

Since reading of your dilemma, I've been having some swirling thoughts about marriage as a government institution that I am not sure how to express. I'd definitely be coming at it from an privileged point of view (heterosexual, able to work. And, um, married.) But is marriage really an institution that really serves society anymore, or is it a governmentally enforced vestige of patriarchy and financial transactions?

I don't know.