How Marriage Affects SSDI Benefits
How Marriage Affects SSDI Benefits
Getting married is a major life decision. When you face disability, the magnitude of the decision increases. Likely, the big question on your mind may be how marriage affects SSDI benefits.
Knowing the answer to this question proves wise. After all, these benefits likely pay portions of your medical and daily living expenses. You and your future spouse need to be aware of the reality of the situation to plan accordingly.
Will your SSDI benefits decrease or end altogether when you marry? While the answer is fairly straightforward, three scenarios change it slightly. Whose income you applied for SSDI under is the important factor.
Let’s take a look:
SSDI Benefits on Your Own Work History
If you qualify for SSDI benefits under your earnings record and no one else’s, your benefits go untouched. Once married, you continue to receive the same amount you did while single. The only exception would be if your personal work history or disability level changes.
SSDI Benefits on Your Parent’s Work History
In some cases, benefits are based on your parent’s work history. If you are over the age of 18, disabled and receiving benefits, you are classified as an adult disabled child. Marriage stops all benefit payments in this case. However, if your spouse is an adult disabled child, both of you may continue to receive benefits.
SSDI Benefits on an Ex-Spouse’s Work
It is also possible that you qualified for SSDI under your ex-spouse’s earnings. If you remarry, the benefits end. There is one exception. If you are widowed and over age 60 (or age 50 if you are disabled) when you remarry, the benefits continue.
More Answers as to How Marriage Affects SSDI Benefits
As an American worker, Social Security taxes are taken from your paycheck. Without this withdrawal you cannot qualify for SSDI. In general, SSDI benefit payment amounts are calculated using your previous earnings.
When figuring payment amounts, the SSA uses your work history (unless you fall into one of the exceptions above). Neither the income of your spouse nor your marital status impact the payment amount. To repeat, in general, marriage does not affect SSDI benefits.
An SSA representative or a qualified Social Security disability attorney provide answers to your specific situation and how marriage affects SSDI benefits. As explained, the specifics of your circumstances come into play. Marrying may or may not compromise your benefits. And, this proves to be valuable information before tying the knot.