Social security and exempt income

by Linda
(Oregon)

I will start receiving my SS in a year. I am currently my husband’s paid caregiver. In Oregon, he receives a benefit through the state because he’s on Medicaid, to pay for a caregiver of his choosing. He chose me.

However, because I’m his spouse and live in the same home as him, I do not have to claim what he pays me as income. It shows up nowhere...I don’t get a W2 form, and am considered exempt from taxation.

When I start Social Security, and continue my “job” as his caregiver, do I have to tell SS about this income? I realize you’re only allowed to earn so much before SS holds some money back, but what if they don’t know about it through common sources?

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