Ask Larry

Can My Daughter Get SSDI Using Her Ex-Husband's Income?

My disabled daughter, aged 59 is receiving SSI, which is not enough to live on.
Can she get SSDI by using her divorced husband's income? They were married
10 years.

Hi,

No, your daughter couldn't get Social Security disability benefits (SSDI) based on her ex-husband's earnings. She could potentially qualify for disabled survivor benefits if her ex-husband dies, though (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0403.html). Or, if her ex-husband is living and at least age 62 or is receiving his benefits, then it sounds like your daughter could potentially qualify for reduced divorced spousal benefits as early as age 62 (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.03/handbook-0311.html). However, if your daughter receives SSI (Supplemental Security Income), those payments will likely be reduced essentially dollar for dollar by the amount of any Social Security benefits that she receives.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Mar 13 2018 - 7:24am
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