Married with a Disabled Spouse: Are You Missing Out on Benefits?

When a spouse becomes disabled, the emotional and financial toll on a marriage can be overwhelming. Amidst the challenges of adapting to a new reality, many couples are unaware that they may be eligible for crucial financial support through Social Security’s disability programs.

In 2024, 7.3 million people received disability benefits from Social Security. Many people miss out on these benefits simply because they don’t know they exist, which can lead to unnecessary financial strain and hardship.

If you or your spouse has become disabled, you may be asking yourself: Can I receive benefits if I’m married with a disabled spouse? The answer is yes. In many cases, a spouse can indeed receive benefits when their partner cannot work due to a disability.

We’ll walk you through everything you need about spousal disability benefits. From eligibility requirements and benefit amounts to the impact of marriage on different types of disability benefits, we’ve got you covered. We’ll also explore special situations like survivor benefits and dual-beneficiary couples.

Can Someone Married to a Disabled Spouse Receive Disability Benefits?

If you ever wondered, “If my husband is disabled, can I get benefits?” The short answer is yes. In many cases, a spouse can indeed receive disability benefits when their partner becomes unable to work due to a disability. These benefits are provided through two main programs administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA): Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

SSDI is a program that benefits disabled individuals who have worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes. When a person receiving spousal SSDI benefits has a spouse, that spouse may be eligible to receive spousal benefits based on the disabled person’s work record.

On the other hand, SSI is a needs-based program that provides financial assistance to disabled individuals with limited income and resources. While SSI does not offer specific spousal benefits, a couple’s marital status and combined income and resources can impact their eligibility and benefit amounts.

It’s important to note that the eligibility requirements and benefit calculations differ between SSDI and SSI spousal benefits.

Eligibility for Spousal Disability Benefits

To receive spousal disability benefits, you must meet specific eligibility requirements, which differ between SSDI and SSI programs.

SSDI Spousal Benefits

To be eligible for SSDI spousal benefits, you must:

• Be at least 62 years old, or any age if caring for a child under 16 or a disabled child who is receiving SSDI benefits on the worker’s record
• Not eligible for Social Security benefits that are higher based on your own work record

In some cases, ex-spouses may also be eligible for SSDI spousal benefits. To qualify, the ex-spouse must:

• Have been married to the disabled worker for at least ten years
• Be at least 62 years old
• Be unmarried
• Not be eligible for a higher Social Security benefit based on their own work record.

SSI Spousal Benefits

SSI does not provide specific spousal benefits. However, when one or both spouses are eligible for SSI, their marital status and combined income and resources will impact their eligibility and benefit amounts.

To be eligible for SSI as a married couple, you must:

• Meet the SSA’s definition of disability or be 65 or older.
• Have limited income and resources as a couple.
• The combined countable income must be below the SSI couple’s rate (as of 2024, this rate is $1,415 per month).
• The couple’s combined resources must not exceed $3,000 (excluding certain assets like a primary residence and one vehicle).

It’s essential to understand that a spouse’s income and resources are considered when determining SSI eligibility and benefit amounts for a married couple. This means that even if only one spouse is eligible for SSI based on their disability, the other spouse’s income and resources can affect the disabled spouse’s benefits.

Spousal Benefit Amounts

The amount of spousal benefits a person can receive depends on the type of disability program and the amount of the disabled worker’s benefits.

SSDI Spousal Benefits

For SSDI, a spouse can receive up to 50% of the disabled worker’s monthly benefit while ensuring that their retirement benefits are not negatively affected. However, there is a limit to the total amount a family can receive based on a single worker’s record, known as the maximum family benefit. This limit is typically between 150% and 180% of the disabled worker’s benefit amount.

If the total benefits payable to the family exceed the maximum family benefit, the SSA will proportionately reduce each family member’s benefit until the total falls within the limit. It’s important to note that the disabled worker’s benefit will not be reduced.

SSI Spousal Benefits

In the case of SSI, when both spouses are eligible for benefits, they will receive a combined couple’s rate rather than individual benefits. As of 2024, the SSI couple’s rate is $1,415 per month; this means that a married couple on SSI will receive about 25% less than what two individual SSI recipients would receive.

If only one spouse is eligible for SSI, the couple’s combined income and resources will be considered when calculating the eligible spouse’s benefit amount.

Impact of Marriage on Disability Benefits

Marriage can affect disability benefits differently depending on the program:

• SSDI: For SSDI, getting married will not impact a person’s eligibility or benefit amount. However, if the disabled worker’s spouse is also receiving SSDI benefits, their combined benefits may be subject to the maximum family benefit limit.
• SSI: Marriage can significantly impact SSI eligibility and benefit amounts. When a person receiving SSI marries, their spouse’s income and resources will be considered when determining their ongoing eligibility and benefit amount.

If both spouses are eligible for SSI, they will receive the couple’s rate rather than individual benefits. This means their combined benefit will be lower than what they would have received as two unmarried individuals.

Special Situations

Survivor Benefits (SSDI)

If a disabled worker receiving SSDI benefits passes away, their surviving spouses may be eligible for widow or widower benefits. To qualify, the surviving spouse must:

• Be at least 60 years old (or 50 if they are disabled).
• Have been married to the deceased worker for at least nine months before their death (with some exceptions).
• Didn’t remarry before age 60 (age 50 if you have a disability).


The survivor benefit amount is based on the deceased worker’s benefit and the surviving spouse’s age at the time they start receiving disability benefits.

Dual-Beneficiary Couples

In some cases, both spouses in a marriage may be eligible for disability benefits. This can occur in three scenarios:

• Both spouses are receiving SSDI benefits based on their work records.
• Both spouses are receiving SSI benefits.
• One spouse is receiving SSDI, while the other is receiving SSI.

When both spouses receive SSDI, their individual benefit amounts are not affected by their marriage. However, the maximum family benefit limit may apply if they have dependent children.

For couples where both spouses receive SSI, they will receive the couple’s rate rather than individual benefits.

In situations where one spouse receives SSDI and the other receives SSI, the SSI spouse’s benefit may be affected by the SSDI spouse’s income and resources.

Navigating Spousal Disability Benefits: You’re Not Alone

Dealing with a disability in a marriage can be a challenging and overwhelming experience. However, understanding the available spousal disability benefits can help ease the financial burden and provide much-needed support during this difficult time.

If you or your spouse has become disabled, don’t hesitate to explore your eligibility for these valuable benefits. Reach out to the Social Security Administration or consult with a qualified disability attorney to discuss your specific situation and get the guidance you need.

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. By understanding your rights and the support available, you can navigate this challenging time with greater confidence and financial security.