Spousal Benefits Through SSDI

If your spouse is receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), you may be eligible for spousal benefits if:

• You are 62 years or older, OR
• You are caring for a child under age 16 (or a disabled child) who receives benefits based on your spouse’s record

Spousal benefits can be up to 50% of the disabled worker’s benefit amount. However, claiming these benefits before full retirement age may reduce the total you receive.

Note: You do not need a work history of your own to receive spousal benefits under SSDI.

SSI Does Not Provide Spousal Benefits

Unlike SSDI, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a need-based program, and it does not offer spousal benefits. However, if you and your spouse both qualify for SSI, you may each receive benefits—but the amount could be lower than if you were single, due to the SSA's couple rate formula.

Survivor and Divorced Spouse Benefits

A surviving or divorced spouse may be eligible for disability-related benefits in these situations:

• Widows/Widowers: If your spouse was receiving SSDI, you may be eligible for survivor benefits as early as age 60 (or 50 if you're disabled yourself).
• Divorced Spouses: If you were married for 10 years or more, you may qualify for benefits based on your former spouse’s record—even if they’ve remarried.