You weren't kidding about complex. This is what I found: https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/public...132013094652AM

Is it true that a married couple can get divorced, while continuing to live together, to allow an applicant to apply for SSI?

SSA would probably decide that they were holding out as married and still consider them a couple. It obviously depends upon the details. If a spouse took in a homeless schizophrenic ex-spouse and let them sleep in the garage and use the bathroom, it probably would not be holding out as married. If the only thing that changed is the legality and not the sleeping arrangements, then SSA would probably consider them holding out as married.

Then there are the married couples that don't get along and consider themselves separated because they sleep in separate bedrooms and don't talk to each other. Well, for SSI, they are married and living together. Doesn't matter where they sleep as long as it is in the same house.

Thank you both for your input. She found someone else. A friend.

Thank you!

It sounds like that's probably best.

I would have been concerned about you being able to meet all of the requirements of being a representative payee. I know that I've had to cancel quite a few of my own important medical appointments at the last minute because I am unable to get there because of complications with my own disability. I know that I would be unable to commit to being able to take responsibility for arranging for someone else's healthcare needs, even if I could help SOME of the time. I'd have to imagine with disabling depression and anxiety that you couldn't guarantee to be able to perform those duties either. The nature of the beast is that you just can't foresee when your good days or bad days will be.

Best wishes to both of you trying to live with your limitations.