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how to apply for spousal disability benefits

by Mr. Lavon Stroman Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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You can apply for this benefit in any of these ways:

  • Work with an accredited representative. Get help filing your claim
  • Use the direct upload tool through AccessVA to upload your form online. ...
  • Mail your form to this address: Department of Veterans Affairs Pension Intake Center PO Box 5365 Janesville, WI 53547-5365
  • Go to a VA regional office and get help from a VA employee. ...

Form SSA-2 | Information You Need to Apply for Spouse's or Divorced Spouse's Benefits. You can apply: Online, if you are within 3 months of age 62 or older, or. By calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting your local Social Security office.

Full Answer

What are the top 10 conditions that qualify for disability?

  • Phenylketonuria (PKU)
  • Other inborn errors of metabolism not specified elsewhere that are treated by medically prescribed diet to prevent neurological disability and/or severe organ damage. ...
  • Cystic Fibrosis.

More items...

Will my surviving spouse receive my SSDI benefits?

Surviving Spouses. If your spouse who was receiving SSDI benefits dies, you may be eligible to receive widow’s or widower’s benefits. (This is only true, however, if your spouse was “currently insured” before becoming disabled.) You will receive 75% of your deceased spouse’s SSDI benefit.

Can spouse benefit from your SSDI benefits?

You can collect Social Security disability benefits as a spouse, based on your own earnings, or you can apply under your spouse’s Social Security benefits. If you choose the latter, you will receive 50 percent of the amount that is allocated to your spouse, based on calculations pertaining to their retirement age.

How much in Social Security disability benefits can you get?

  • 90% of the first $1,024 of average indexed monthly earnings
  • 32% of the average indexed monthly earnings over $1,024 through $6,172, and
  • 15% of the average indexed monthly earnings over $6,172.

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When can a disabled spouse claim spousal benefits?

age 62 or olderYes. If you are collecting Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), your spouse can draw a benefit on that basis if you have been married for at least one continuous year and he or she is either age 62 or older or any age and caring for a child of yours who is younger than 16 or disabled.

When can a spouse apply for spousal benefits?

62 years of ageTo qualify for spouse's benefits, you must be one of these: At least 62 years of age. Any age and caring for a child entitled to receive benefits on your spouse's record and who is younger than age 16 or disabled.

How Do Social Security spousal benefits work?

The spousal benefit can be as much as half of the worker's "primary insurance amount," depending on the spouse's age at retirement. If the spouse begins receiving benefits before "normal (or full) retirement age," the spouse will receive a reduced benefit.

How much SSDI will my spouse receive?

Your spouse is entitled to up to 50% of your monthly benefit amount, subject to a family maximum amount. (This means that if you have children who are collecting benefits as well, your spouse's benefit amount will be reduced.)

Can my wife claim spousal benefits?

You're eligible for spousal benefits if you're married, divorced, or widowed, and your spouse is or was eligible for Social Security. Spouses and ex-spouses generally are eligible for up to half of the spouse's entitlement. Widows and widowers can receive up to 100%.

Can you collect Social Security and spousal benefits at the same time?

Each spouse can claim their own retirement benefit based solely on their individual earnings history. You can both collect your full amounts at the same time. However, your spouse's earnings could affect the overall amount you get from Social Security, if you receive spousal benefits.

How long do spousal benefits last?

for lifeGenerally, spouses and ex-spouses become eligible for survivor benefits at age 60 — 50 if they are disabled — provided they do not remarry before that age. These benefits are payable for life unless the spouse begins collecting a retirement benefit that is greater than the survivor benefit.

Can my wife claim spousal benefits before I retire?

Can my spouse collect Social Security on my record before I retire? No. You have to be receiving your Social Security retirement or disability benefit for your husband or wife to collect spousal benefits.

Does a wife get 50 of husband's Social Security?

You can receive up to 50% of your spouse's Social Security benefit. You can apply for benefits if you have been married for at least one year. If you have been divorced for at least two years, you can apply if the marriage lasted 10 or more years.

Can a widow collect husband's disability?

In order to qualify, you must either be disabled at the time of your spouse's death or become disabled within seven years of his/her death. In most cases, you will qualify for survivor's benefits as long as you were married for at least nine months.

Can my wife get SSI if I get SSDI?

You and your spouse may qualify for SSI benefits even if you live together. You must both meet the disability and income requirements, though. SSI does not only consider your individual income; it takes other forms of household income into account, including your spouse's SSDI or SSI benefits.

Can a married woman get disability?

To receive SSDI, you have to fit the Social Security Administration's (SSA's) definition of disability, but you can be unmarried or married. Getting married won't ever effect SSDI benefits that you collect based on your own disability and your own earnings record.

How much do you get spousal benefits if you work?

The only thing you’ll have to worry about is if the person applying for spousal benefits earns more than $1,520/month from working. If that applies to you, then you’ll get a dollar less in spousal benefits for every $2 you earn above that amount.

How long do you have to be married to get SSDI?

You must be married for one full year (12 months) before you can apply. That doesn’t mean you have to wait a year after your husband or wife starts getting SSDI to file! It just means you can’t marry someone a month after they qualify for SSDI and start getting payments yourself.

Can a spouse file for disability at 62?

Spouses aged 62-64 can probably qualify, but may pay an early retirement penalty. If you cannot get a higher benefit amount filing on your own work record, then yes, you’re likely eligible for spousal disability benefits. But once you reach full retirement age (FRA), your own Social Security payments are permanently reduced.

Can I get spousal benefits if I am divorced?

Divorced people can also apply for spousal benefits, under certain conditions. If your ex gets SSDI and your marriage lasted at least 10 years, you may qualify for spousal benefits. However, that’s only true if you are not currently married or eligible for early retirement benefits.

Do you get Social Security at 65?

If you’re already at full retirement age (65 or older), you’ll receive your own regular Social Security payments first. The SSA uses your highest work earnings over 35 years to calculate this monthly payment amount. However, if you’re able to collect a higher amount under your spouse’s SSDI, the agency will pay you spousal benefits instead. That’s because everyone getting disability benefits automatically switches over to regular Social Security payments at 65. In other words, the amount you receive won’t change at all!

Can I collect my spouse's Social Security benefits?

Did your husband or wife get approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits? Then we have good news: You may be able to collect payments under your spouse’s record, too. But since it’s a government-run program, spouses who apply must meet first a few eligibility requirements. Get all the facts you need to know before applying for spousal Social Security disability benefits below.

Can the SSA reject my application?

For example: The SSA can reject your application if you staple the pages together, write in the margins or leave a required field blank. Getting legal assistance with your claim helps you avoid simple paperwork errors and get paid the most benefits you deserve faster.

Documents you may need to provide

We may ask you to provide documents to show that you are eligible, such as:

What we will ask you

You should also have your checkbook or other papers that show your account number at a bank, credit union or other financial institution so you can sign up for Direct Deposit, and avoid worries about lost or stolen checks and mail delays.

How much disability can a family member receive?

Each family member may be eligible for a monthly benefit of up to 50 percent of your disability benefit amount. However, there is a limit to the amount we can pay your family. The total varies, depending on your benefit amount and the number of qualifying family members on your record.

What age can you get disability benefits?

Divorced spouse. Children. Adult child disabled before age 22. If any of your qualified family members apply for benefits, we will ask for their Social Security numbers and their birth certificates.

How old do you have to be to get Social Security?

Be at least 62 years old. Be unmarried. Not be eligible for an equal or higher benefit on their own Social Security record, or on someone else's Social Security record. The amount of benefits payable to your divorced spouse has no effect on the amount of benefits you or your current spouse may receive.

How old do you have to be to get a disability?

Be under age 18; or. Be 18-19 years old and a full-time student (no higher than grade 12); or. Be 18 or older and disabled from a disability that started before age 22. Normally, benefits stop when children reach age 18 unless they are disabled.

Can a child receive Social Security disability?

When you qualify for Social Security disability benefits, your children may also qualify to receive benefits on your record. Your eligible child can be your biological child, adopted child, or stepchild. A dependent grandchild may also qualify. To receive benefits, the child must: Be unmarried.

Does divorce affect your benefits?

If you have a divorced spouse who qualifies for benefits, it will not affect the amount of benefits you or your family may receive.

Do you pay your spouse's retirement first?

If your spouse is eligible for retirement benefits on their own record, we will always pay that amount first. But, if the spouse’s benefit that is payable on your record is a higher amount, they will get a combination of the two benefits that equals the higher amount.

How long do you have to be married to qualify for spousal disability?

At this point, you may be wondering, “what is the spousal Social Security disability benefit?”. Spouses who have been married for at least a year, divorced spouses who were married for at least 10 years, and surviving spouses can qualify for the Spousal Social Security Disability Benefit based on the earnings record of the disabled spouse ...

What age can a spouse be disabled?

The surviving divorced spouse is disabled and between 50 and 60. Just like the spouse’s surviving benefit, if the surviving divorced spouse remarries before age 60, the benefits will be denied — unless the spouse was between 50 and 60 AND disabled at the time of the marriage.

How old is a spouse when a disabled person dies?

If a disabled worker dies and was receiving Social Security benefits at the time of death, a divorced spouse is entitled to benefits in either of the following circumstances: The surviving divorced spouse is 60 years old or older. The surviving divorced spouse is disabled and between 50 and 60. Just like the spouse’s surviving benefit, if ...

What happens if my spouse retires at 62?

Also, if your spouse is receiving benefits at age 62, the spouse who collects spousal benefits before full retirement age will be hit with an early retirement penalty.

What percentage of Social Security disability is a spouse's benefit?

The total of the spouses benefit and the children’s benefit cannot be greater than the maximum family benefit, which is generally 150 percent of the worker’s monthly Social Security Disability benefits.

How much can a surviving spouse receive from a deceased spouse?

The amount varies between 75 and 100 percent of the deceased worker’s monthly amount.

When will Social Security be denied if spouse remarries?

Also, if the surviving spouse remarries before age 60 — or age 50 if disabled — Social Security benefits will be denied.

Requirements for Disability Benefits

To receive Social Security benefits, you must have worked in jobs covered by Social Security. You must have enough work credits to qualify and you must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability.

Maintain Medical Records to Prove Disability

It is important to have medical documentation of your spouse’s disability. We recommend that you work closely with your primary health provider when you are applying for disability. Your provider can review the Blue Book listing and help you gather evidence, fill out forms, and submit required records.

How to apply for spousal Social Security?

The easiest way to apply for spousal Social Security benefits is through your "My Social Security" account at https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/. If you don't have an account, you can create one and apply from there. To apply online, you must be at least 61 years and 9 months old. [8]

What does the SSA look for in spousal benefits?

The SSA looks at the amount of retirement benefits you're eligible for, then the amount of spousal benefits you're eligible for. If the spousal benefits are greater than your retirement benefits, you would be paid your retirement benefits first, then spousal benefits would be used to make up the difference. You always get the larger of the two ...

How much is my spouse's spousal benefit?

Decide when you want to start receiving benefits. Your full spousal benefit is 50% of your spouse's primary insurance amount. However, if you decide to start receiving those benefits before you reach your normal retirement age, your benefit amount will be permanently reduced.

What is the lowest percentage of your spouse's insurance?

The lowest percentage you could possibly get is 32.5% of your spouse's primary insurance amount. In some situations, it might make sense for you to claim your spousal benefits early. However, if you can afford to do so, you'll get more money if you wait until you reach your normal retirement age.

What to do if you don't have all the documents requested by the SSA?

Tip: If you don't have all the documents requested by the SSA, call them and let you know. They can help you get them.

What is the phone number to call for Social Security?

If you can't apply online or don't want to use the online form, you can also call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).

How to check status of Social Security application?

1. Set up an online account if you haven't already. From your "My Social Security" account at https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/ , you can check the status of your application and manage your benefits. If you didn't apply for your benefits online, you can still set up a free account to manage your benefits.

What percentage of my spouse's SSDI is paid in 2021?

For example, someone who turns 62 in 2021 would be eligible for 32.9 percent of a spouse’s SSDI amount. If you are divorced and drawing SSDI, your former spouse also may be able to collect benefits if the marriage lasted at least 10 years and your ex is 62 or older and has not remarried. Benefits paid to an ex-spouse do not affect ...

Can you get spousal benefits reduced?

Spousal benefits also can be reduced if you claim them before full retirement age and earn income from work that exceeds Social Security’s earnings limit.

Can disabled children get SSDI?

Minor or disabled children of an SSDI recipient also may be eligible for benefits. Payments to a disabled beneficiary’s spouse and kids are collectively subject to a cap called the family maximum and could be reduced if they exceed it.

How much is spousal benefit?

Depending on how old you are when you file, the spousal benefit amount will range between 32.5% and 50% of the higher-earning spouse’s full retirement benefit. Check out the chart below to get an idea of how the benefit works and what your payment might be if you can take advantage ...

How long do you have to be married to qualify for spousal benefits?

You may also qualify for the spousal benefit If you’re divorced but the marriage lasted for at least 10 years and you’re not currently married.

How many people receive Social Security benefits as a spouse?

A recent Social Security report found that 2.3 million individuals received at least part of their benefit as a spouse of an entitled worker. Some of these spouses had benefits of their own, but were eligible to receive higher benefit because the spousal benefit amount was greater than their own benefit. Others never worked outside the home ...

What is the most generous benefit available to retirees?

What’s one of the most generous benefits available to retirees? That’s easy. It’s Social Security spousal benefits ! These benefits are some of the most important, too.

What is the 1 year requirement for Social Security?

The 1-year requirement is also waived if you were entitled (or potentially entitled!) to Social Security benefits on someone else’s work record in the month before you were married. An example of these benefits would be spousal benefits, survivor benefits or parent’s benefits.

What is Julie's reduction to her own benefit?

This means that Julie’s reduction to her own benefit would be based on her age when she filed for her benefit. However, her reduction to the spousal benefit would be based on her age when Joe filed for his benefit. So, if Julie filed when she was 62, her own benefit would be reduced.

How much of my spouse's Social Security is my full retirement?

Remember, in that case, it’s between 32.5% and 50% of the higher-earning spouse’s full retirement age benefit, depending on your filing age. However, it can seem a little more complicated if you have Social Security benefits from your work history.

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