Social Security Disability benefits help millions of Americans make ends meet when poor health robs them of the chance to earn a living.
When the bills pile up, those monthly checks bring some stability.
But what happens when you’re not the only breadwinner? Will Social Security penalize you when your spouse collects a paycheck?
The short answer is: It depends on which disability benefits program applies to you.
Most workers with impairments are enrolled in Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This is for people who have worked and paid payroll taxes to Social Security.
For people who have never been able to work, haven’t worked much, or haven’t worked in a long time—and they don’t have much in the way of other financial resources—Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is available.
If you paid into and qualify for SSDI, Social Security won’t mess with your benefits if your spouse is working. SSDI is based strictly on the fact that you worked and can’t any longer.
But SSI is a needs-based program, meaning Social Security will take into account all other resources available to you—including your spouse’s income.
Getting approved for either program can be overwhelming. But you don’t have to do it alone.
At Troutman & Troutman, our Oklahoma disability lawyers fight for families. We’re a team of Oklahomans who have spent 30 years helping our neighbors stabilize their lives.
If you need Social Security Disability, get in touch with us in Tulsa, Owasso, Bartlesville, Tahlequah, Muskogee and any city or town in Oklahoma.
Disability Law Is All We Do.
CALL US NOW! »SSDI is based only on your own hard work. If you held a steady job and paid a certain amount into Social Security through payroll taxes every year, you should be covered no matter what other sources of income your household has.
When your health prevents you from continuing to work, either in your previous job or any job, SSDI kicks in to help cover monthly expenses that you used to handle with your paychecks.
The amount of your benefits depends on your income level at the time of your disability. The highest earners in 2024 could receive up to $3,822 a year. Getting the top amount is rare, however. The average was $1,537 a month.
In any case, your spouse can continue to work without impacting your SSDI benefits. And you can have any amount in savings, investments or property.
But you first have to prove your case to win benefits, which isn’t easy. A skilled disability lawyer can be a real advantage when dealing with Social Security.
If you have questions about your eligibility for SSDI, the Oklahoma disability attorneys at Troutman & Troutman can answer them and guide you through the process, whether you’re applying for the first time or appealing a denial. We’ll take an initial look at your case for free.
Get My Free Evaluation »Supplemental Security Income is a program for people dealing with health conditions that started when they were young, don’t have a long work record, or who haven’t been able to perform a job for a considerable while.
This is a needs-based program. Social Security sets limits on what you can receive. In 2024, an individual could get up to $943 a month. The maximum for an eligible couple was $1,415.
Those limits, however, are impacted by other sources of income you may have access to. These include pensions, other disability benefits or assistance programs and, yes, how much your spouse makes.
If your husband or wife—or even someone you’re not married to—pays for food, utility bills, rent, mortgage or other expenses to help, then Social Security will reduce your monthly SSI payments.
Social Security approaches SSI on a case-by-case basis. At Troutman & Troutman, so do we.
Our Social Security Disability lawyers provide the personal attention you deserve in an impersonal process.
We know Social Security and can help you get the best chance at resources available to get you on sounder financial ground and provide some peace of mind.
If your husband or wife—or even someone you’re not married to—pays for food, utility bills, rent, mortgage or other expenses to help, then Social Security will reduce your monthly SSI payments.
Social Security approaches SSI on a case-by-case basis. At Troutman & Troutman, so do we.
Our Social Security Disability lawyers provide the personal attention you deserve in an impersonal process.
We know Social Security and can help you get the best chance at resources available to get you on sounder financial ground and provide some peace of mind.
Contact Us Today! »You may be trying to determine if Social Security Disability benefits are right for you. You may be facing a long, complicated benefits application. Or you’ve applied and been denied. Now what? The Troutman & Troutman Oklahoma disability attorneys can help.
Your life has been disrupted by health problems. You’ve had to leave work. You’re worried about money. Social Security Disability benefits can provide relief, but they’re complicated. You’ve got a lot of questions. The Troutman & Troutman Tulsa disability lawyers have answers.
SSD Questions & Answers »“Troutman & Troutman is a wonderful group of attorneys. I highly recommend them… From the way they explained the disability process and what it entails, to the quick response back if I had any questions. Thank you so much.”