Your spouse must contact the SSA to apply for benefits. The SSA’s phone number is 800-772-1213. Your spouse will need his or her Social Security number and birth certificate. The SSA may also require your marriage certificate and information about any prior marriages.

Does spousal income affect disability benefits?

Your spouse’s income will not affect your eligibility for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits. This is because your SSDI benefits are based on your previous income and what you paid into Social Security.

Can a spouse with a disability file for divorce?

The breakdown of a marriage is never easy. When you consider separating from your spouse or filing for divorce, there are many things to consider, including each person’s finances and sharing custody of the children. If you are contemplating leaving a spouse who has a disability, the situation may be even more complicated.

How can a spouse get benefits when his or her spouse collects disability?

How a Spouse Can Get Benefits When His or Her Spouse Collects Disability Spouses married for at least a year, divorced spouses who were married at least 10 years, and surviving spouses can be entitled to benefits. Spouse’s Retirement Benefit Spouse’s Survivors Benefit Divorced Spouse’s Retirement Benefit Divorced Spouse’s Survivors Benefit

What should I do if my spouse is disabled?

Solutions can vary from having the assistance of a family member to hiring a caregiver. While you should not remain in a failing marriage that makes you unhappy, you will definitely need to consider the higher rates of spousal support.

When does spousal support for a disabled spouse end?

Spousal support is often considered permanent in these situations, at least until your spouse has a change in disability status, remarries, or receives new or additional benefits, which would change the necessity of your spousal support.