Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) provides financial support for disabled Americans.
However, their spouse and other eligible family members may also receive a benefit.
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How much can a spouse claim?
SSDI is run by the Social Security Administration (SSA). If you are paid benefits, some family members may also be eligible for benefits if you have contributed enough to the SSA while working. Read more about it here.
If you qualify for SSDI, your spouse can draw benefits as part of your support program. This only pertains to couples that have been married for at lease one year and if your spouse is at least 62. If your spouse cares for your children who is younger than 16 or disabled, they can claim SSDI support regardless of age.
The maximum amount that a spouse can claim is 50% of their significant other’s disability benefit. You can only claim the maximum if you start them at full retirement age or they are also caring for the disabled person’s child.
However, there are limits on this. The SSA has duel entitlement restrictions. If you already get Social Security retirement or disability benefits, you cannot claim spousal benefits if that amount exceeds yours.
Spousal benefits will be reduced if you claim them before full retirement age.
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Who else can claim SSDI benefits?
In some cases, an ex-spouse can claim SSDI benefits after a divorce. If the marriage lasted at least ten years, and the spouse claiming SSDI has not remarried the ex-spouse may be able to claim the spousal benefit as normal.
If your ex-spouse makes a claim for your SSDI benefit, it will not impact your benefit from the SSA.
Recipients of SSDI with any minor or disabled children can claim additional benefits from the same program. However, there is a benefit cap known as the family maximum.
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