What if a husband and wife are both receiving disability?Yes, if both individuals in a marriage receive Social Security Disability benefits it won't make a difference for either one of them as far as A. their eligibility to receive monthly disability benefits and B. how much they can receive as a monthly benefit amount. As I've mentioned in a number of prior posts, SSDI a.k.a. Social Security Disability insurance, is a federal insurance entitlement benefit (which is why it is also referred to as DIB, which stands for disability insurance benefits). And since it is, an individual who applies for disability and is found to be medically disabled will receive monthly benefits as long as they are not engaged in work activity above a certain limit (to see this limit on work earnings, view this page: substantial gainful activity, or SGA). Being married to someone, even to someone who also has a disability and receives SSDI will make no difference whatsoever. However, with SSI disability, things are different. As I've stated numerous times here, SSI is a need-based program that is subject to asset restrictions (the asset limit for SSI eligibility is two thousand dollars). SSI is also a program that considers family income. So, if you receive SSI disability and your spouse has earned income, this can count against you and potentially make you ineligible to receive benefits. To reiterate, if both individuals in a marriage receive Social Security Disability, neither can affect the other's benefits, whether one or both is working or not. However, if two individuals are married and one receives SSI, the income of the spouse can potentially make the individual receiving disability ineligible. About the Author: Tim Moore is a former Social Security Disability Examiner in North Carolina, has been interviewed by the NY Times and the LA Times on the disability system, and is an Accredited Disability Representative (ADR) in North Carolina. For assistance on a disability application or Appeal in NC, click here. Most popular topics on SSDRC.com Social Security Disability in North Carolina Common Mistakes to avoid after being denied for Disability Tips to Prepare for Filing for Social Security Disability or SSI Advice to Win SSD and SSI Benefit Claims Social Security Disability SSI Questions What is the difference between Social Security Disability and SSI? How to get disability for depression Getting disability for fibromyalgia SSI disability for children with ADHD What is the Application Process for Social Security Disability and SSI? Social Security Disability SSI Exam tips More Social Security Disability SSI Questions What makes you eligible for Social Security Disability or SSI? Related pages: If you appeal a disability denial, how long to receive a decision? Decision process for disability Will Social Security Disability do a medical review A disability hearing in person is better than by video Decline a video disability hearing for in person hearing How to win disability without a hearing Disability benefit help How long does it take for an examiner to review a disability case? Filing for disability with graves disease How to file for disability in Nebraska Degenerative disc disease and applying for disability How to file for disability in Iowa How much does disability pay? How long will you get disability after an award notice? If Social Security sends you to a psychiatrist |
