Spouses who are the sole caregivers of their disabled husbands face unique challenges and special needs. Along with the pain of seeing a loved one struggle, able-bodied partners bear almost all of the obligations associated with caring for a disabled spouse.
Individuals who are disabled for an extended period of time and have accumulated enough credits are entitled to Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits every month. In some cases, spouses of disabled individuals are also eligible to receive benefits from the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Are Spouses of Disabled Persons Eligible For Benefits?
Social Security's Spouse Insurance Benefits are funded by the federal government and administered by the SSA. These payments are provided to the spouse of a Social Security retiree or disabled worker.
Spouses who have been married for at least a year, estranged spouses who were married for at least ten years, and surviving spouses may be eligible for benefits based on the disabled spouse's earnings record.
To qualify, the able-bodied spouse's Social Security retirement or disability benefits cannot exceed their partners' SSDI benefits. In the event of dual entitlement, the SSA will pay the greater of the two benefit amounts.
Eligible spouses can receive up to 50% of their partner's disability benefits if they apply at full retirement age. Spousal benefits, on the other hand, are lessened considerably if claimed prior to reaching full retirement age.
You can also use SSA’s Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool questionnaire to help determine if you’re qualified for spousal disability benefits. After completing the questionnaire, you'll receive a list of benefits to consider.
Amount of Spousal Disability Benefits
If the beneficiary is still alive, the spouse receives 50% of the primary insurance sum, although the spouse's benefit may be reduced if the disabled worker's children are also receiving benefits.
When the beneficiary dies, the amount received by the surviving spouse or surviving divorced spouse is determined by the spouse's age and whether he or she is caring for the deceased worker's children. The sum varies between 75% and 100% of the deceased employee's monthly wage.
Additionally, if a disabled worker individual dies while obtaining Social Security benefits, the husband or wife will receive a death benefit if he or she lived in the same household as the deceased worker.
How To Apply For Spousal Disability Benefits
You can apply once your partner's disability claim has already been approved. Contact the SSA through their hotline at 800-772-1213.
The SSA has a rigorous process before approving spouse's SSDI benefits. Before applying, make sure that you have all the required documents, including:
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Social Security number of disabled person and spouse
- Bank information
If you are applying after the death of your spouse, the SSA may require a death certificate or other documentation from the funeral home.
Conclusion
Looking after a disabled spouse can also take a toll on your finances. Fortunately, the government provides assistance and benefits to the spouses of individuals collecting SSDI.
Applying for Social Security benefits can be an overwhelming process. Disability Help offers a comprehensive guide about Social Security Disability benefits. To learn more, visit Disability Help.org today!
