How a Marriage Could Impact Your Eligibility for SSDI Benefits

It is not easy to obtain Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits, even if you clearly suffer from a disability that prevents you from working. Once you begin receiving your monthly payments, you do not want to take actions that would make you ineligible for benefits or reduce the amount of your payment. Here is how getting married could affect your benefits.

Will Marriage Affect Your SSDI Benefits?

If you are disabled and are applying for SSDI, your eligibility for benefits would be based on how long you have worked and whether you have acquired enough work credits. In addition, you must meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of disability to qualify for benefits.

If you decide to get married, this will not affect your eligibility for SSDI benefits. In addition, your spouse’s income would not be used to reduce the amount of your monthly payment.

How Marriage Could Affect Benefits for Children and Spouses

If you are eligible for SSDI benefits, your spouse and dependent children may also qualify for payments. However, getting married could affect their eligibility for benefits. Here’s what could happen:

• Children. Your dependent children can receive benefits until they turn 18 years old or 19 years old if they are still in high school or are married, whichever occurs first. An adult disabled child of yours would be eligible for benefits as long as they remain disabled or get married.
• Surviving spouse. A surviving widow or widower may be eligible to receive disability payments if they meet certain requirements and you were eligible for SSDI benefits at the time of your death. They would lose their benefits if they remarried.

Do you have other questions about how a marriage or other life change could affect your eligibility for SSDI benefits? Do you need help filing your application for benefits or an appeal because your SSDI claim was denied? Our experienced Social Security disability attorneys are here to answer your questions and help you obtain all the benefits you deserve. Schedule your free initial consultation today by calling our Roswell office or starting a live chat.