My name is a testament to the struggles and issues that hundreds, if not thousands, of low-income disabled individuals across our nation are contending with. As a result of my own personal situation, being a low-income disabled individual, I live in daily fear of the prospect of marriage. The reason? The income of my potential spouse would affect the Social Security benefits I receive, an unfair arrangement that profoundly impacts my ability to maintain a decent standard of living.

The current Social Security policy factors in a spouse’s income when determining the benefits for low-income disabled individuals, forcing many to make distressing sacrifices. Love and marriage should not nullify or decrease my right to financial security. 

According to statistics from the Social Security Administration, as of December 2019, over 8 million disabled individuals receive SSI benefits, and many of us are experiencing similar fears. This issue deserves attention. It needs care. It needs reform.

It's difficult to express the emotional toll it takes to change love and devotion into a pros and cons list of financial survival. I am, therefore, petitioning for a reform of such discriminatory policies that intrude on personal freedom and equity.

Join me in petitioning the appropriate authorities for the reformation of social security policies for married individuals. It's time to change the narrative that punishes individuals for life choices that should be separate from the financial support they need. Ensuring equitable treatment for all should be our main goal. Let us make our voices heard. Sign this petition.