Can a Husband and Wife Both Collect Social Security Disability?

On This Page

1. You and Your Spouse May Both Receive SSDI Benefits
2. A Husband and Wife May Both Be Eligible for SSI, But Perhaps Not If You Receive SSDI Benefits
3. Issues May Arise When One Spouse Already Gets SSI Benefits
4. We Can Help You Fight a Social Security Disability Claim Denial
5. Why Should I Hire a Social Security Disability Attorney for a Claim or Appeal?
6. Call Berger and Green Today for a Free Consultation About a Social Security Disability Application or Appeal

REVIEWED BY

C. William Kenny

December 12, 2023

Board certified by National Board of Trial Advocacy

A husband and wife can both collect Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Pittsburgh. It is also possible — but perhaps less likely — for both to qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). 

If you have concerns about how your application for disability benefits could affect your spouse’s benefits, Berger and Green is here to help. We can discuss how your application for benefits will be affected by your spouse’s benefits and if you receive benefits how it may affect your spouse’s benefits. We can also help you complete your claim and file an appeal if necessary.

You and Your Spouse May Both Receive SSDI Benefits

Social Security Disability Insurance benefits are not need-based. If you and your spouse worked SSDI-eligible jobs and now suffer from impairments that prevent you from working, you should both receive monthly benefits.

This program generally requires a minimum of 20 work credits to qualify, which translates to about five years of work. You may still be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance with fewer credits, depending on your age.

The monthly payment amount for SSDI depends on your average monthly earnings during your working years, so your payment amount may be significantly different than your spouse’s. Our team reviews disabled workers’ employment history, medical records, and other relevant information to calculate fair monthly payments.

SSDI does not limit your unearned income. This means you can continue to collect income from rental houses, investments, and other sources while both you and your spouse receive Social Security Disability Insurance benefits.

A Husband and Wife May Both Be Eligible for SSI, But Perhaps Not If You Receive SSDI Benefits

Disabled people with limited assets and financial resources can be eligible for Supplemental Security Income, a strictly needs-based benefits program. A husband and wife could both qualify for SSI if both lack any substantial assets and cannot work to earn a living.

It is unlikely that you would qualify for SSI if you are approved for SSDI, though. Any benefits you receive through SSDI will count towards your income and assets, so those SSDI payments may prohibit you from receiving SSI benefits too.

If you worked only part-time or in a low-paying job, your SSDI payment may be below this cut-off, potentially allowing you to qualify for both programs. An attorney from our firm will review your household income level, including any SSDI benefits you are receiving, and gauge your eligibility for SSI benefits.

SSI tends to be most beneficial for those who do not qualify for SSDI benefits. If you and your current spouse cannot earn a livable income and your monthly earnings are below the SSI income limit, you may be eligible for these benefits. 

Issues May Arise When One Spouse Already Gets SSI Benefits

Where we often see a problem with a husband and wife or spouses who are both getting disability is when one already receives SSI, and the other applies for and gets approved for SSDI with a relatively significant monthly payment. This sometimes creates a situation where—because of the new SSDI benefits—the household has too much income for either partner to qualify for SSI.

If you applied for disability and this happened in your case, your partner would lose their monthly SSI payments, and you would need to support your household based on your SSDI check alone. Since the SSDI check often pays out more than SSI does, this is not necessarily bad news. However, any household with limited income must consider all their options, and we will help you do that.

We Can Help You Fight a Social Security Disability Claim Denial

If the Social Security Administration denied your application for benefits, Berger and Green can help you understand the reason for the denial. If necessary, we can file an appeal on your behalf.

It is imperative you act quickly when something goes wrong with your Pittsburgh disability payments. You only have 60 days to file an appeal. Social Security benefits are the sole source of income for many of our clients, we understand how important these benefits are to you and your family. 

We will review the facts of your case and help you understand your options for getting the benefits you need. We can file an appeal on your behalf and represent you in front of any Administrative Law Judge who oversees your appeals hearing. Let us handle your appeal while you focus on your health and well-being.

Why Should I Hire a Social Security Disability Attorney for a Claim or Appeal?

You have a right to receive the maximum benefits you are entitled to from the Social Security Administration. Whether you are pursuing SSDI, SSI, or any other benefit, an attorney from our team will:

• Evaluate your benefit eligibility
• Determine the benefit amounts you are entitled to receive
• Identify any potential conflicts that you must consider (such as the possibility that the amount SSI payments may change if your spouse receives SSDI benefits)
• File your application or appeal
• Lead the entirety of the appeals process on your behalf
• Provide sound, experience-based advice throughout your dealings with the SSA

Our legal team understands eligibility rules, application processes, appeal procedures, and every other aspect of the SSD process. The application process can be daunting, especially as you deal with financial stress and the hardship of a disability. Allow our legal team to provide the support you need. 

Call Berger and Green Today for a Free Consultation About a Social Security Disability Application or Appeal

If you have concerns about you and your spouse both getting the Social Security Disability benefits you need, the team from Berger and Green can help. A Berger and Green team member is standing by to take your call, and there is no cost or obligation to hire our firm when you call.

Call Berger and Green today to complete your free consultation.