Termination of a Marital Relationship – Aged, Blind and Disabled (ABD) Programs

Termination of a Marital Relationship – Aged, Blind and Disabled (ABD) Programs A. For ABD programs, the marital relationship no longer exists as of the date that: 1. Either individual dies, 2. A final decree of divorce or annulment is issued for the marriage (if a divorced couple resumes living together, a holding out relationship determination must be made), 3. Either individual begins living with another person as their spouse;, 4. The couple is determined not to be married for Title II purposes if that was the basis for considering the couple married, or 5. The couple begins living in separate households. a) When a married couple claims to be living apart, evidence must be obtained to make a determination regarding the couple’s relationship and living arrangement. Such evidence may include mortgages; leases; rent receipts; property deeds; bank accounts; tax returns; credit cards; information from government programs (Social Security Administration, public housing, food stamps, etc.); and statements from friends, relatives and neighbors. b) If the couple is living apart, each person is treated as an individual. B. A couple who are still legally married and resume living together after having lived apart is a married couple, regardless of the reason for having resumed living together.