We often hear spouses say, “My husband is disabled can I get benefits.” The answer is complicated.
Being married and caring for a child or disabled individual can be difficult and demanding. It often requires spouses and family members to step up and assist in caring for their partner while managing household finances.
This can create financial stress, as many spouses need to be aware of the available benefits and financial support that could help ease their child’s benefit situation.
This guide is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the benefits and financial assistance available to spouses of disabled individuals. It includes information on Social Security Benefits, as well as other options for financial support.
SSDIs are provided by the United States government to those who qualify for benefits based on their disability or illness.
These benefits can provide a significant source of income, which can help cover the costs associated with caring for a disabled partner. Benefits may help relieve some of the financial stress that spouses and minor children of disabled individuals might be experiencing.
Let’s get started.
Types of benefits for spouses of disabled individuals
If your husband is disabled, you may be able to get benefits from the government. These are spousal benefits. They can help you pay for things like caring for your husband and managing money in the household.
The benefits available for disabled workers and spouses of disabled individuals include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Medicare.
Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a program the government provides to those who qualify for benefits based on their disability or illness. This benefit provides monthly payments to help cover living expenses, medical bills, and other related costs.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program designed to provide financial assistance to those with limited resources and income. This benefit covers basic living expenses such as food, clothing, and housing.
Medicare is a program provided by the government that helps cover medical costs. This can include doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs.
Eligibility for benefits
To be eligible for SSDI Benefits, you must meet specific criteria laid out by the government. These include:
- Your husband must have worked for a minimum of 5 of the past ten years
- Your husband must have earned at least $1,260 in Social Security taxes during the past year
- Your husband must be medically disabled as determined by a doctor
- You and your husband must be legally married
You may also need to prove that you are not working or earning more than a certain amount at the time of your application.
If you meet the eligibility criteria, you must apply for Social Security Disability Benefits. You can do this online or at your local Social Security Administration office.
In addition to Social Security Benefits, other benefits may be available to spouses of disabled individuals. These include:
- Medicaid
- State assistance programs
- Veterans benefit
- Private health insurance
Social Security Disability Benefits for Spouses
Social Security Disability Benefits for spouses of disabled individuals can provide divorced spouses with a significant source of income, which can help cover the costs associated with caring for a disabled partner. To be eligible for these benefits, you and your husband must meet specific criteria laid out by the government.
Your husband’s ex-spouse must have worked for at least five of the past ten years, earned at least $1,260 in Social Security taxes during the past year, and be medically disabled as determined by a doctor.
You can apply for these benefits online or at your local Social Security Administration office. Once claim benefits are approved, you will receive monthly payments that can help cover living expenses, medical bills, and other related costs.
To be eligible for Social Security Disability Benefits, you and your husband must be legally married for at least one.
You may need to prove that you are not working or earning more than a certain amount at the time of your application.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) for Spouses
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a program designed to provide financial assistance to those with limited resources and income. To be eligible for SSI, you must meet specific criteria set by the government. These include:
- You must be a U.S. citizen or legally admitted resident
- You must have a low income
- Your assets must be under a certain amount
- You, your spouse, and your children must have limited resources
If you meet the criteria and are eligible for SSI benefits, you will receive monthly payments to help cover basic living expenses such as food, clothing, and housing.
You may be eligible for other benefits such as Medicaid, state assistance programs, and veterans benefits.
Medicare for Spouses
Medicare is a program provided by the government that helps cover medical costs. This can include doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs. To be eligible for Medicare, you must meet specific criteria set by the government. These include:
- You must be a U.S. citizen or legally admitted resident
- You must be aged 65 or over, disabled, or have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
- Your income and assets must meet specific criteria
- You must not have been denied Medicare in the past
If you meet the criteria and are eligible for Medicare, you will receive monthly payments to help cover medical costs.
You may be eligible for other benefits such as Medicaid, state assistance programs, and veterans benefits.
There are many government benefits available to spouses of disabled individuals. Still, it is essential to research all available benefits to ensure that you and qualifying family members receive the most beneficial assistance.
It is also important to note that some benefits may require additional criteria, such as proof of marriage and income restrictions.
Read through all terms and conditions associated with each benefit to determine your eligibility.
Caregiver Benefits and Financial Assistance Programs
There are other types of financial help and benefits for spouses of disabled people. These include Medicaid, state assistance programs, Veterans benefits, and private health insurance.
Some programs may require you to prove you are married or make less money. You can also get help with medical bills through Medicare if you meet specific requirements like being a U.S. citizen or legal resident and having a low income and limited resources.
Caregiver benefits can also be available to assist with the costs of providing care for the former or current spouse of a disabled person.
Depending on your state, you may be eligible for Medicaid waivers or other financial assistance that help with medical and respite care expenses.
Grants and loan programs are designed to help caregivers handle their financial responsibilities.
The best way to find out what resources are available in your area is to contact your local Social Security office, public retirement benefit, or agency.
They can provide information on the benefits and assistance programs available to help you care for your disabled child or spouse.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I get spousal benefits if my husband is on disability? Yes, you can get spousal benefits if your husband is on disability and you meet specific eligibility requirements, such as age, caretaker status, and having a lower benefit amount than the spousal benefit.
- How does Social Security disability work for married couples? Social Security disability works for married couples by providing financial support to the disabled individual and their eligible spouse based on the disabled individual’s work record, meeting specific disability criteria, and marriage duration and age requirements.
- How does disability affect spousal benefits? Disability affects spousal benefits by altering the benefit amount and eligibility criteria, with the spousal benefit amount typically being 50% of the disabled spouse’s primary insurance amount (PIA).
- How much can I make if my spouse is on disability? The amount you can make if your spouse is on disability depends on factors like the disabled spouse’s PIA, your age, and the family maximum benefit cap, with the spousal benefit generally being 50% of the PIA.
- Can I draw on my husband’s Social Security for disability? You can draw on your husband’s Social Security for disability if you meet eligibility criteria, such as age or caretaker requirements, and have a lower benefit than the spousal benefit based on your husband’s record.
- What is the spousal benefit for Social Security disability? The spousal benefit for Social Security disability is typically 50% of the disabled worker’s PIA, with eligibility based on age or caretaker requirements and the claiming spouse’s benefit amount.
- When can a spouse claim spousal benefits? A spouse can claim spousal benefits when they are at least 62 years old or a caretaker for a qualifying child. Their spouse receives Social Security retirement or disability benefits, with their benefit amount being less than the spousal benefit.
- When can a disabled spouse claim spousal benefits? A disabled spouse can claim spousal benefits when they are at least 62 years old or meet caretaker requirements. Their spouse receives Social Security retirement benefits, with their benefit amount being less than the spousal benefit.
- How much does a spouse get from Social Security disability? The amount a spouse gets from Social Security disability depends on factors like the disabled spouse’s PIA, the spouse’s age, and the family maximum benefit cap, with spousal benefits typically equal to 50% of the PIA.
- How does disability work for married couples? Disability works for married couples by providing financial support to the disabled individual and their eligible spouse, with eligibility based on meeting disability criteria, the disabled individual’s PIA, and marriage duration and age requirements.
- How do you qualify for spousal benefits? To qualify for spousal benefits, you must meet requirements such as age or caretaker status, have a spouse receiving Social Security retirement or disability benefits, and have a lower benefit amount than the spousal benefit based on your spouse’s record.
- What are spousal disability benefits? Spousal disability benefits are financial support for the spouse of a disabled worker eligible for Social Security disability benefits, calculated based on the disabled worker’s PIA, with eligibility dependent on age or caretaker requirements and the family maximum benefit cap.
Final thoughts
The key takeaway from this article is that many government benefits and financial assistance options are available to spouses of disabled individuals. Programs like Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicare can provide monthly payments to help cover basic living expenses and access to additional benefits such as Medicaid, state assistance, and veterans’ benefits.
Grants and loan programs may be available to help with the cost of providing care for a disabled person.
It is vital to research all available options to ensure you receive the most beneficial assistance. Be sure to read all terms and conditions associated with each benefit, and contact your local Social Security office or public benefit agency if you need help determining your eligibility.
By exploring all available options, you can ensure that you are making the best decision for your family’s financial future. With this knowledge, you should be better equipped to decide which benefit suits you and your surviving spouse.
Best of luck!
