I frequently hear from readers who ask me about an alleged marriage penalty associated with Social Security. Or they say they heard there is a maximum amount that can be paid to members of a married couple. These rumors are untrue. Today’s emails illustrate what I am talking about. Q: I am living with a woman and have been for many years. We each get our own Social Security check. The reason we have never gotten married is that we heard our Social Security benefits will be cut if we tie the knot. Is this true? A: It is not true. When we are talking about your own Social Security retirement benefits, there is no marriage penalty under Social Security law. Q: I am a 72-year-old woman. I get $2,175 per month in Social Security retirement benefits, which I took at age 66. I have been seeing a man who …