Can I Still Collect Disability Benefits If My Spouse Works?

Generally, if a person works, he or she cannot collect Social Security Disability benefits. However, what if the person’s husband or wife works? If a person with a disability’s husband or wife has a job, does that mean you cannot collect disability benefits?

Could I Be Denied Disability Benefits If My Spouse Works?

It depends on whether you collect Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). SSDI is not a need-based program. Therefore, your husband or wife’s income will not impact your SSDI benefits.

However, if the question is “does my spouse’s income affect my SSI?”, then the answer changes. The government does consider your spouse’s income when calculating your Supplemental Security Income benefits. SSI will only count your spouse’s income when figuring out your benefit amount if your partner lives in the same household as you. This means that if you have a live-in partner that you are not married to, their income will impact your SSI benefits. Depending on how much income your spouse makes, this could then reduce your SSI benefits.

How Can a Social Security Lawyer Help Me Collect Disability Benefits?

In the video below, Tulsa disability attorney Erin Stackenwalt explains how a Social Security lawyer can help you secure disability benefits in Oklahoma, including Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income. If you have more questions, please reach out to our office. We’re happy to help.