Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for Both Spouses

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits are based on your work history and the amount you’ve paid into Social Security through payroll taxes. Both spouses can receive SSDI benefits if they meet the eligibility requirements. Here’s how it works:

• Individual SSDI Claims: Each spouse can apply for SSDI based on their own work record. If both individuals have worked long enough and paid into Social Security, they may qualify for SSDI benefits. Each spouse’s disability claim is evaluated independently, so they don’t need to rely on each other’s eligibility.
• Spousal Benefits: If one spouse doesn’t qualify for SSDI based on their own work history, they may be able to receive spousal SSDI benefits based on the other spouse’s earnings record. To qualify for spousal SSDI, the other spouse must be receiving SSDI benefits, and the non-working spouse must be at least 62 years old.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for Both Spouses

Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits are based on financial need rather than work history. While each spouse can apply for SSI benefits individually, the SSA will consider both spouses' income and resources when determining eligibility for SSI. Here’s how SSI works for married couples:

• Individual SSI Claims: Each spouse can apply for SSI if they meet the financial need criteria. The SSA will evaluate each person’s income, resources, and disability status to determine eligibility.
• Married Couple’s SSI Income Considerations: When both spouses apply for SSI, the SSA considers the combined income and assets of the household. If one spouse is working, or if the household income exceeds the SSI limits, it could impact both spouses' eligibility for benefits. The SSA has income and asset limits for SSI, and if a couple's combined income is too high, they may not qualify for SSI.

How Benefits May Affect Each Other

While both spouses can qualify for Social Security Disability benefits, there are some nuances that could affect the amount of benefits they receive:

• Maximum Family Benefit (For SSDI): The total amount of benefits that a family can receive through SSDI is capped. If both spouses are receiving SSDI based on their own work records, they could both receive their full benefits. However, if one spouse is applying for SSDI as a dependent or spouse, the family’s total benefit amount may be limited to a specific maximum.
• SSI Benefit Amounts: For married couples applying for SSI, the benefit amounts are lower than for individuals. A married couple is eligible for a higher benefit rate than a single person, but the combined income and assets of the couple will be factored into the SSA’s determination.

Social Security Disability and Marriage Impact

Your marital status can impact both SSDI and SSI benefits. While the eligibility for SSDI is based on each person’s individual work history, SSI eligibility is affected by household income. If either spouse is receiving benefits, it may affect the other spouse’s eligibility for additional benefits, particularly for SSI.