Social Security disability benefits can help support people when they are unable to work. By applying for and enrolling in the Scoial Security Disability Insurance program, recipients may be eligible to receive SSDI benefits as long as they are disabled.
Many people search online with the question: “What is SSDI benefits and how can they help me?” These benefits are designed to provide you with monthly support payments when you cannot work due to a health-related condition or disability. Like Social Security, the maximum SSDI benefit you can receive corresponds to your past earnings history. That being said, if you qualify for SSDI by having a certain disability, you may collect benefits to help you financially.
Social Security Disability Benefits for You
If you can’t work due to a disability and if you qualify for SSDI, you can begin collecting disability benefits to help support you. When you enroll in SSDI, you can begin receiving monthly checks to help you meet basic living expenses. There are no limits or restrictions on what you can purchase with your Social Security disability benefits. Of course, you should consider using your funds to pay for basic and important necessities,that aren’t being met because of your condition, such as:
- Rent and utilities.
- Clothing expenses.
- Food and household groceries.
Social Security Disability for Children
Young children may also qualify for certain Social Security disability benefits. However, these benefits are available through the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) Supplemental Security Insurance (SSI) program. SSDI is only available to adults who have been disabled. This means that individuals who are younger than 18 years of age cannot collect SSDI benefits on their own. But their parents or guardians might on their behalf. Check with the Social Security Office near you to verify based on your situation.
Children who qualify for SSDI do so as dependents. In these cases, these children qualify through their disabled parents’ accounts. In these instances, dependents may qualify for benefits if they are:
- Younger than 18 years of age.
- Full-time students between 18 and 19 years of age who have not yet completed 12th grade.
- Older than 18 years of age and have disabilities that were diagnosed before they were 22 years of age.
Can my spouse get SSDI benefits through my claim when I am alive?
A spouse may be eligible to receive certain SSDI benefits. For example, your spouse might be able to receive benefits if they are 62 years of age or older. These benefits would last until your spouse reaches their (FRA) or full retirement age. Perhaps you are wondering “If I get disability will my spouse receive benefits?” There are some instances when your spouse may not like if they are already collecting Social Security based on their own earnings history. If your spouse’s Social Security benefits are higher than yours would be, they cannot collect your SSDI benefits.
Furthermore, remember that there are certain disability benefits for spouse and child that your partner could be entitled to receive. If your spouse is taking care of your child who is younger than 16 years of age, your spouse can collect benefits. This continues for your spouse until he or she can begin collecting Social Security retirement or survivor benefits. If your spouse ages out of this benefit plan and your child is still a minor, your dependent could still collect support.
Does a surviving spouse get Social Security disability benefits?
Spouse disability benefits after death are not transferable to another individual. That means that if your spouse, who was receiving SSDI, dies, they will no longer receive the benefits, nor will you be able to receive their benefits. However, there are some benefits for a spouse of a disabled person who is deceased that can be collected. These are referred to as Social Security survivor benefits. Individuals should contact their closest Social Security office for more information.
Additionally, keep in mind that you may be able to collect Social Security benefits for surviving spouse if you are disabled. If you are disabled and qualify to receive benefits because you cannot work, you may apply and enroll. You must qualify for benefits through your own application. In this case, you would not be collecting deceased spouse disability benefits.
Ex Spouse Social Security Disability Benefits
Depending on your circumstances, you may be eligible to collect divorced spouse Social Security disability benefits. Among other criteria, this is possible if you:
- Were married to your previous spouse for at least 10 years.
- Have not remarried.
- Are entitled to benefits that are worth less than your spouse’s benefits, or are not entitled to benefits at all.
- Have been divorced for at least two years.