Subtracting the couple's countable income from the Federal benefit rate for an eligible couple. However, we use your ineligible spouse's income in the second month prior to the current month. In the second month, we deem your ineligible spouse's income in that month to determine whether you are eligible for a benefit but we deem your ineligible spouse's income in the first month to determine the amount of your benefit. Your SSI benefit under the deeming rules cannot be higher than it would be if deeming did not apply. We have special rules to determine how to deem your spouse's income to you when there is a change in your situation.
Ineligible spouse becomes eligible.
If your ineligible spouse becomes eligible for SSI benefits, we treat both of you as newly eligible. Therefore, your eligibility and benefit amount for the first month you are an eligible couple will be based on your income in that month. In the second month, your benefit amount will also be based on your income in the first month. If you separate from your ineligible spouse or your marriage to an ineligible spouse ends by divorce, we do not deem your ineligible spouse's income to you to determine your eligibility for benefits beginning with the first month following the event. Eligible individual begins living with an ineligible spouse.