If My Husband is Disabled, Can I Get Benefits? A Guide to SSDI

As we age, the likelihood of experiencing a disability increases dramatically. According to the Social Security Administration, over 25% of today’s 20-year-olds will become disabled before reaching retirement age. When a spouse becomes unable to work due to a disability, the financial impact on the household can be devastating.

Fortunately, the Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) program provides a vital safety net for disabled workers, their spouses, and their dependents. More than 9 million spouses and children received SSDI benefits in 2021.

If your husband or wife has recently become disabled, you may be wondering whether you’re eligible for spousal benefits and how to navigate the complex world of Social Security disability. We’ll break down everything you need to know, from social security eligibility criteria and benefit amounts to the application process.

We’ll explore the differences between SSDI and SSI, explain how factors like age, marital status, and work history impact entitlement, and provide practical tips for maximizing benefits while avoiding common pitfalls. 

If you’re wondering, “My husband is disabled—can I get benefits?” This guide will explain everything you need to know to make informed decisions. Whether you’re nearing retirement age or caring for a child with a disability, understanding your rights and options is crucial to ensuring financial stability during this challenging time.

Understanding SSDI Spousal Benefits

SSDI spousal benefits are financial assistance provided to the spouses of individuals who qualify for Social Security Disability Insurance. These benefits are designed to help support the family members of disabled workers who have paid into the Social Security system through their payroll taxes. SSDI is a form of federal disability insurance that provides financial protection when a qualifying individual cannot work due to a serious health condition.

How do SSDI spousal benefits differ from SSDI and SSI?

While SSDI, SSI, and spousal benefits all fall under the umbrella of Social Security disability programs, there are key differences between them:

• SSDI eligibility is based on the disabled worker’s employment history and the number of work credits they have earned. The amount of the benefit is calculated based on their average lifetime earnings.
• SSI, or Supplemental Security Income, is a needs-based program for individuals with disabilities who have limited income and resources, regardless of their work history. SSI benefits are funded by general tax revenues, not Social Security taxes.
• SSDI spousal benefits are a separate category of assistance available to the spouses of disabled workers who qualify for SSDI. These benefits are based on the disabled worker’s earnings record, not the spouse’s work history or financial need.

It’s important to note that an individual cannot receive both SSDI and SSI benefits simultaneously. However, a disabled worker’s spouse may be eligible for SSDI spousal benefits even if the worker receives SSI, as long as the worker has earned enough work credits to qualify for SSDI.

Can a Spouse Get Disability Benefits?

To qualify for SSDI spousal benefits, individuals must meet specific criteria set forth by the Social Security Administration. These requirements ensure that benefits are provided to those who are most in need and have a legitimate connection to the disabled worker. Spouses must understand these social security eligibility factors when considering applying for SSDI spousal benefits.

Age Requirements

Spouses of disabled workers can receive SSDI spousal benefits if they are:

• 62 years of age or older, or
• Any age, if they are caring for a child of a disabled worker who is under 16 or has a disability.

It’s important to note that claiming spousal benefits before reaching full retirement age (depending on birth year) may result in a permanently reduced benefit amount.

Marriage Requirements

To be eligible for SSDI spousal benefits, the spouse must be:

• Currently married to a disabled worker and have been married for at least one continuous year before applying for benefits.
• Divorced from the disabled worker, but the marriage must have lasted at least ten years.

Sometimes, multiple spouses may be eligible for benefits on a single worker’s record, such as in divorce and remarriage situations. Being married to a disabled spouse can create financial stress, but SSDI spousal benefits offer crucial support during this time.

Other Factors

In addition to age and marriage requirements, other factors can impact a spouse’s eligibility for SSDI benefits:

• The spouse must not be receiving Social Security benefits based on their own work record that exceeds the amount they would receive as a spousal benefit.
• If the spouse is eligible for retirement benefits on their own record, the Social Security Administration will pay that amount first. Any spousal benefits will be reduced by the amount of the spouse’s own benefit.

Spouses must understand these eligibility factors when considering applying for SSDI spousal benefits. In the next section, we’ll explore how benefit amounts are calculated and the various factors that can impact the level of support a spouse receives.

Benefit Amounts and Calculations

When a spouse qualifies for SSDI spousal benefits, the amount they receive depends on several factors, including the disabled worker’s benefit amount, the spouse’s age, and the family’s total benefits.

Spousal Benefit Rate

• Spouses can receive up to 50% of the disabled worker’s SSDI benefit amount.
• If the spouse claims benefits before reaching full retirement age, their benefit will be permanently reduced by 25/36 of one percent based on the number of months until they reach full retirement age.

Family Maximum Limits

The total amount of benefits paid to a family based on a single disabled worker’s record is subject to a maximum limit.

• The family maximum is typically 150-180% of the worker’s disability benefit amount.
• If the sum of all family members’ benefits exceeds the maximum, each individual’s benefit will be proportionately reduced to meet the limit.

Working While Receiving Spousal Benefits

Spouses who work while receiving SSDI spousal benefits may have their benefits reduced if their earned income exceeds certain limits set by the Social Security Administration

• These limits, known as the “earnings test,” are adjusted annually and vary based on the spouse’s age and proximity to full retirement age.
• If a spouse’s benefits are reduced due to excessive earnings, they may receive increased benefits later to compensate for the withheld amounts.

Applying for SSDI Spousal Benefits

To receive SSDI spousal benefits, individuals must complete an application process with the Social Security Administration. Here’s what you need to know:

When to Apply

• Spouses should apply for benefits as soon as they become eligible, based on the age and marriage requirements discussed earlier.
• If the disabled worker is still awaiting a decision on their SSDI application, the spouse can apply for spousal benefits concurrently.

Required Documentation

When applying for SSDI spousal benefits, individuals must provide:

• Proof of marriage or divorce (marriage certificate, divorce decree).
• Birth certificates for any dependent children.
• The disabled worker’s Social Security number and work history information.
• The spouse’s own Social Security number and work history, if applicable.

The Application Process

• Spouses can apply for SSDI spousal benefits online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office.
• The application process typically involves completing forms, submitting documentation, and possibly attending interviews or hearings.
• Processing times can vary, but generally range from 3-6 months.
• If an application is denied, spouses have the right to appeal the decision and present additional evidence to support their claim.

Other Considerations

• Medicare Eligibility for Spouses: Spouses receiving SSDI spousal benefits may be eligible for Medicare coverage after a 24-month qualifying period, which begins when the disabled worker becomes eligible for SSDI benefits.
• Reporting Changes: Spouses must promptly report any changes in marital status, income, living arrangements, or other factors that could impact their eligibility or benefit amount to the Social Security Administration.
• Benefits for Dependent Children: Besides spousal benefits, dependent children of disabled workers may also be eligible for SSDI benefits. Qualifying children must be under 18, full-time high school students under 19, or have a disability that began before age 22.
• Survivor Benefits: If a disabled worker receiving SSDI passes away, their surviving spouse may be eligible for widow or widower benefits, often referred to as survivor benefits under Social Security. These benefits can be claimed as early as age 50 if the surviving spouse has a disability or age 60 for non-disabled survivors. Survivor benefits are typically paid to those who qualify through retirement or disability, depending on their work history and the deceased worker’s record.
• Interaction with Other Assistance Programs: SSDI spousal benefits may impact eligibility for other public assistance programs, such as Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, or SNAP (food stamps). It’s essential to consult with a qualified benefits counselor to understand how spousal benefits may affect your overall financial situation.

Navigating the Road Ahead

Dealing with a spouse’s disability is never easy, but understanding the support available through SSDI spousal benefits can help ease the financial burden. By familiarizing yourself with the eligibility requirements, application process, and benefit calculations, you can make informed decisions and secure the assistance you and your family need.

Remember, you don’t have to navigate this complex landscape alone. Resources like the Social Security Administration, disability advocacy organizations, and legal aid services are available to provide guidance and support.

As you embark on this journey, remember that claiming SSDI spousal benefits is not just about receiving monthly payments. It’s about ensuring your family’s financial stability, accessing critical healthcare coverage, and building a foundation for a more secure future.

So, take a deep breath, gather your documents, and take the first step toward claiming the benefits you’ve earned. With knowledge, perseverance, and a little help from the experts, you’ll be well on your way to navigating the road ahead with confidence and peace of mind.