To get Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) you have to be disabled and have worked long enough to earn the required number of work credits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) makes the decision as to whether you qualify for benefits, and the items reviewed include your work history and the medical evidence provided regarding your condition. Not only do you have to have a qualifying disability, but you must also show how your disability prevents you from working. If you do not meet the criteria, your claim will be denied.
The analysis is specific to the person applying, and other sources of income are not taken into account when you apply for SSDI. That means, if your spouse is the one who has become disabled and needs benefits, your income will not come into play when the SSA considers your spouse’s application. You are permitted to work and continue earning an income if you have a disabled spouse, and in many instances, it is necessary for the non-disabled spouse to hold down a job because benefits can take a while to begin flowing. You may also need a job if your spouse is disabled because the benefit payment may not cover your family’s expenses. But this is where things can become tricky because if the disability benefit is insufficient to cover your costs there are other programs available for supplement income, but your salary would become an issue for those programs.
SSDI benefits depend upon proving a disability, showing how that disability limits you, and having earned enough work credits. There is no financial factor to an SSDI application, but the same is not true for Supplemental Security Income (SSI). If your Social Security Disability Income is not enough and you are thinking about applying for SSI, your finances do come into play. For instance:
- If your spouse works it is probable you will not qualify for SSI because of your spouse’s income.
- If you have assets outside of a job, those assets are counted for purposes of SSI.
- If you have retirement accounts, those accounts will be taken into consideration when your financial picture is reviewed for SSI.
We understand how hard it is to make ends meet when you cannot work, which is why we work quickly and efficiently when seeking benefits. Let one of our disability lawyers help you today.
If you have questions about SSI and SSDI benefits, contact us online today for more information. We can also be reached (618) 732-0146.