Obtain a signed statement as to whether the individuals hold themselves out to the community as a married couple. Treat the allegation in the statement as follows:

Stop development if all the responses of both individuals show that neither presents the relationship as a marital one.

If one or more of the answers by either individual indicate the possibility of a holding out relationship, obtain as many of the following items of evidence (listed in order of probative value) as possible and make a written determination.

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  Mortgages, leases, property deeds, bank accounts, insurance policies, passports, tax returns, credit cards.

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  Information (preferably documents) from other government programs, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), public housing, etc.

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  Magazine or newspaper subscription labels, personal mail.

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  Statements from relatives, close friends, or neighbors.

In order for the agency to make a written determination that two individuals are holding themselves out as a married couple, consider the following:

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  The age and probative value of the evidence.

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  The role the individuals played in creating the evidence (e.g., signing a lease as a married couple).

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  The individuals' explanation regarding evidence that indicates holding out.

If a holding out relationship exists, enter CG field entry code ML11. For more information about CG codes, refer to SM 01005.525 and SM 01301.820.

Michael Stevens and Barbara Foster deny any marital relationship but also indicate that they rent an apartment together. The field office (FO) obtains an SSA-4178 (Marital Relationship Questionnaire).

The information shows that, although they share activities, they live together for economic reasons. They supply their bank statements, which show they do not have joint accounts.

The FO decides that the evidence, the responses on the SSA-4178, and the explanation about the information on the rental of the apartment support the no holding out allegation.

When Kathryn Simms applies for SSI benefits in August 2015, they indicate that they are unmarried. Karen Anders, an unrelated adult, lives in the same household. The property tax records and mortgage for the home are in Ms. Simms' name.

The FO learns from a field contact that the neighbors refer to Ms. Anders and Ms. Simms as a married couple. The FO develops following the procedure in SI 00501.152C.1.c. in this section. Ms. Simms admits that they do not correct the neighbors when they refer to them as spouses.

The responses on the SSA-4178 indicate that Ms. Anders and Ms. Simms filed tax returns as “married filing jointly.” They also share the same charge accounts. Based on this information and the available evidence, the FO decides that they are holding themselves out to the community as a married couple.

Steve Garrett and Betty Sanders each receive SSI as eligible individuals. When they move in together, they report the change in their living arrangements.

At the redetermination, Mr. Garrett signs a statement that they hold themselves out to the community as a married couple and plan to be married. When contacted, Ms. Sanders states they do not present their relationship to the community as that of a married couple and will not do so until they are married. Their apartment rental lease shows both names. There is no other information or evidence that indicates Ms. Sanders presents their relationship as that of a married couple.

Since only one of the individuals presents the relationship to the community as that of a married couple, the FO decides there is no holding out and continues to treat them as two eligible individuals.

Alex Mathis and Alice Blake have lived together and held themselves out to the community as a married couple for 15 years. Mr. Mathis receives SSI benefits; Ms. Blake works. We deem Ms. Blake's income to Mr. Mathis.

Mr. Mathis contacts the teleservice center in June and reports that they no longer consider Susan to be their spouse and wants their full SSI payment. They add that they have met someone else but is temporarily remaining with Ms. Blake for financial reasons. The FO contacts Ms. Blake, who states that Mr. Mathis is living in the basement of the house and will move out as soon as they are financially able. Ms. Blake provides evidence that they dissolved all joint credit accounts. Based on this information, the FO determines that they are no longer holding out as married.