A husband and wife can both collect Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) in Pittsburgh. It is also possible — but more difficult — for both to qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or for one to qualify under each program.
If you have concerns about how your application for disability could affect your spouse’s benefits, the team from Berger and Green is here to help. We can analyze your situation and help you ensure you are not hurting your spouse by filing an application. We can also help you complete your claim and file an appeal if necessary. Call us today at 412-661-1400 for a free consultation with a member of our team.
You and Your Spouse Can Both Get SSDI Benefits
SSDI is not a need-based program. If both you and your spouse worked and now you both suffer from impairments that prevent you from working, you both likely qualify for this type of monthly benefit. This program does require you to have enough work credits to qualify, but most part-time workers earn enough to get the maximum number of work credits available each year.
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. This program 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 disability benefits.
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You May Both Be Eligible for SSI
You could both be eligible for SSI, but this is unlikely if you both also qualify for SSDI. Because SSI is a need-based program, there is a maximum income couples can have and still get these benefits.
If you worked only part-time or in a low-paying job, your SSDI payment may be below this cut-off and allow you to qualify for both programs. However, it is unlikely two adults both drawing SSDI would remain below the SSI income and asset limits. The household income limit for a couple, as of 2018, is $1,125 per month.
Based on the current income limits, you would each need to draw less than about $550 a month in SSDI and have no other income to meet the qualifications for SSI. If you or your spouse fail to qualify for SSDI because of the work requirement or another issue, you may both qualify for SSI payments.
Our team will examine your income, work history, and assets to determine whether you might qualify.
Issues May Arise When One Spouse Already Gets SSI Benefits
Where we often see a problem with a husband and wife both getting disability occurs when one already receives SSI, and the other applies for and gets approved for SSDI with a relatively significant monthly payment. This creates a situation where you have 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. Since the SSDI check often pays out more, this is not necessarily bad news.
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We Can Help You Fight a Denial
If the Social Security Administration denied your application for benefits or cut off your monthly payments, we can help you understand why and file an appeal. It is imperative you act quickly when something goes wrong with your Pittsburgh disability payments. You only have 60 days to file an appeal, and an even shorter time to ensure your payments continue while we fight. Call us right away and let us go to work on your case.
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 to the Administrative Law Judge during your appeals hearing. Let us handle your appeal while you focus on your health and wellbeing.
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Talk to a Pittsburgh Disability Attorney About Your Situation Today
If you have concerns about you and your spouse both getting the Pittsburgh disability benefits you need, the team from Berger and Green can help. A member of our team is standing by to take your call and will review your situation for free. A Social Security Disability Lawyer can help you understand your options, complete your claim, file an application, or navigate the appeals process.
Call us today at 412-661-1400 to get started.
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