Are You Eligible for SSDI Spouse Benefits?

When one spouse becomes disabled, it can put a significant financial strain on a household. Fortunately, the Social Security spouse benefits program offers financial help to the husband or wife of someone receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). These benefits may also be available to divorced spouses, ex spouses, or a former spouse in certain situations, and they can be a lifeline for families who have lost income because of disability.

What Are Social Security Disabled Spouse Benefits?

Social Security disabled spouse benefits are monthly payments made to the spouse of a person receiving SSDI. Unlike your own SSDI benefits, which are based on your personal work record, these payments are tied to your spouse’s earnings history, also known as your spouse’s record.

These benefits exist to help married couples maintain stability when one spouse cannot work due to disability. They may also help a non-working spouse or one who has insufficient work credits to qualify for SSDI independently.

Who Is Eligible for SSDI Benefits for a Spouse?

SSA rules for spouse disability benefits include:

• Your spouse receives SSDI benefits.
• You are at least age 62 (the minimum age for early retirement spousal benefits) OR caring for your spouse’s child who is under 16 or has a qualifying disability. If you claim benefits at age 62, your benefit amount will be permanently reduced compared to waiting until full retirement age.
• You have been married to the disabled worker for at least one year (exceptions for parents of a child together).
• You are not entitled to a higher payment on your own record.

If divorced, you may still qualify for SSDI spouse benefits if:

• The marriage lasted at least 10 years.
• You are currently unmarried.
• You meet the age or caregiving rules.

This is known as divorced spouse’s benefits. A former spouse may qualify for benefits based on the worker’s record if the marriage lasted at least 10 years, and these benefits are separate from those for a current spouse.

Both a current and former spouse may be eligible for benefits for spouses, depending on marriage history and other criteria set by the Social Security Administration.

Disability Benefits for Married Couples: How Much Can You Get?

For disability benefits for married couples, the spouse’s monthly benefit is typically up to half (50%) of the disabled worker’s SSDI benefit. This is the maximum spouse’s benefit available to a worker’s spouse. The exact benefit amount depends on:

• The disabled worker’s primary insurance amount (PIA).
• Whether you claim benefits before full retirement age.
• How many other family members are receiving benefits from the same spouse’s record.

If you claim early, such as at age 62 or if you are younger than full retirement age, the monthly benefit amount may be permanently reduced—sometimes by up to 30%. Early retirement can result in a lower monthly benefit, especially for those who are younger than full retirement age. The Social Security Administration sets a limit on the total amount a family can receive based on the worker’s record, known as the family maximum, to ensure the total amount paid does not exceed a certain threshold.

You can estimate your benefit amounts using the SSA’s Spousal Benefit Calculator.

Can My Spouse Get SSDI Without Working?

The answer is yes — as long as you, the disabled worker, have enough work credits and your spouse meets the eligibility requirements.

A disability benefit for a non-working spouse is possible because these payments are based on your work record, not theirs. The spouse’s benefit is calculated from the worker’s Social Security record.

How to Apply for Disabled Spouse Social Security Benefits

The application process for disabled spouse benefits can be completed online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office.

If you want to know how to apply for disabled spouse benefits, follow these steps:

1. Gather the Required Documents

• Marriage certificate.
• Birth certificates for both spouses.
• Social Security numbers.
• Proof of citizenship or legal residency.
• Divorce records if applicable.

2. Submit Your Application

• Apply online at SSA.gov, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office.

3. Provide Additional Proof

• If you qualify by caring for a child, you’ll need the child’s birth certificate and, if disabled, medical evidence.

SSDI Spouse Income Rules

SSDI spouse income rules are simple: Your own income does not usually reduce spousal benefits unless you qualify for a higher amount on your own work record. The spouse must meet certain eligibility requirements, and the Social Security Administration will pay the higher of the spouse’s own benefit or the spousal benefit, not both. SSDI itself is not income-based, so household income doesn’t affect eligibility.

However, if you or your spouse receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or other needs-based assistance, income from SSDI could affect those payments.

Social Security Spousal Benefits vs. Survivor Benefits

Many people confuse Social Security spousal benefits disability with survivor benefits. The differences are important:

• Spousal Benefits: Paid while the disabled worker is alive, based on their earnings record. A spouse’s benefits are calculated from the spouse’s record and are different from survivor benefits.
• Survivor Benefits: Paid to a widow(er) or divorced surviving spouse after the worker’s death.
• Own Disability Benefits: Based on your personal work record.

You can’t receive full payments from both spousal and your own benefits — SSA pays whichever is higher.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re working, retired, or a non-working spouse, Social Security spousal benefits can be a vital source of financial support. By understanding spouse disability eligibility, knowing how to apply for disabled spouse benefits, and being aware of SSDI spouse income rules, you can better plan for your family’s future.

For accurate and personalized information, visit the SSA’s FAQ on Spousal Benefits or speak with a Social Security representative.

At Benefits.com, we are here to help you navigate the process and receive the benefits you deserve. Begin today by taking our free eligibility quiz.