The charms of “Patrice: The Movie” are abundant — which doesn’t mean this inventive, warmhearted documentary, directed by Ted Passon, won’t infuriate. Much of the bristling will be on behalf of titular star, Patrice Jetter, and Garry Wickham, her betrothed. Or, at least, they would be engaged if the government Supplemental Security Income (Ssi) benefits program reflected the evolving moment when it comes to the lives — and loves — of people with disabilities.

Administered by the Social Security Administration, Ssi’s “marriage penalty” means that if these two beloveds get married — or even cohabitate — they’ll either lose their benefits or have them drastically cut. Garry would lose his medical insurance. The rule was written in 1972, when those enacting laws didn’t imagine people with disabilities having loving, even independent lives. It has remained unchanged.

Patrice and Garry met while working and started off as friends. Living with cerebral palsy,...