What SSDI spousal benefits are and who can receive them

SSDI spousal benefits let you collect a portion of your spouse's Social Security Disability Insurance benefit while they are receiving it. You do not need to be disabled yourself. The amount you receive is typically 50 percent of what your spouse gets, though the exact figure depends on your age and family situation.

To receive spousal benefits, you must be at least 62 years old, or any age if you are caring for your spouse's child who is under 16 or disabled. Your spouse must already be receiving SSDI — you cannot explore for spousal benefits before their own claim is approved. You also cannot be receiving your own retirement or disability benefit that is higher than the spousal amount.

Spousal benefits are separate from your own Social Security retirement benefit. If you wait until your full retirement age to claim spousal benefits, you may receive a larger amount than if you claim at 62. The Social Security Administration will explain these trade-offs when you contact them.

Key Takeaways

  • You must contact your local Social Security office or call 1-800-772-1213 to explore for spousal benefits; there is no online process for this benefit type.
  • Your spouse must already be approved for and receiving SSDI before you can explore for spousal benefits on their record.
  • You will need your Social Security number, birth certificate, marriage certificate, and your spouse's Social Security number to complete the process.
  • The process process typically takes two to four weeks, and you will receive written notice of approval or denial in the mail.

Documents you will need before you contact Social Security

Gather these documents before you call or visit your local Social Security office. Having them ready speeds up the process and reduces the chance you will need to make a second trip or phone call.

You will need your own Social Security number, birth certificate, and marriage certificate. If you have been married more than once, bring divorce decrees or death certificates for previous marriages. You will also need your spouse's Social Security number and proof of their SSDI approval — this is usually a letter from Social Security stating they are receiving disability benefits.

If you were born outside the United States, bring your passport or immigration documents. If your name has changed since your birth certificate was issued, bring a legal document showing the change, such as a marriage certificate or court order.

How to start your process at Social Security

Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778 for deaf and hard of hearing callers) Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. your local time. Tell the representative you want to explore for spousal benefits on your spouse's SSDI record. They will ask you questions about your age, work history, and family situation, and will tell you what documents to bring.

You can also visit your local Social Security office in person. Find the office nearest you at ssa.gov/locator. Walk-in appointments are available, though wait times vary. Some offices allow you to schedule an appointment in advance by phone or through the website, which may reduce your wait time.

Do not mail in an process for spousal benefits. Social Security requires you to explore by phone or in person so they can verify your identity and answer questions about your specific situation.

What happens after you submit your process

After you explore, Social Security will send you a written notice in the mail. This notice will either approve your claim, deny it, or ask for more information. If they ask for more information, the notice will explain what documents or details they need and give you a important date to respond — usually 10 to 30 days.

If your claim is approved, you will receive a second notice stating your monthly benefit amount and the date your payments will begin. Payments typically start the month after your process is approved, though this can vary. You will receive your first payment by direct deposit to your bank account or by check, depending on how you set it up.

If your claim is denied, the notice will explain why. Common reasons include that your spouse is not yet approved for SSDI, that you do not meet the age requirement, or that your own retirement benefit is higher than the spousal amount. If you disagree with the decision, you have 60 days to request reconsideration.

How your spousal benefit amount is calculated

Your spousal benefit is normally 50 percent of your spouse's full SSDI benefit amount. However, if you claim before your full retirement age, Social Security will reduce your benefit by a percentage based on how many months early you are claiming. The reduction is roughly 0.35 percent per month before your full retirement age.

If you are caring for your spouse's child who is under 16 or disabled, you can receive spousal benefits at any age without this reduction. In this case, you receive 75 percent of your spouse's benefit amount instead of 50 percent.

Your benefit amount also depends on whether other family members are receiving benefits on your spouse's record. If your spouse has children or another spouse receiving benefits, the total family benefit is capped at 150 to 180 percent of your spouse's benefit amount. Social Security will divide this family maximum among all beneficiaries, which may reduce what each person receives.

What to do if Social Security asks for more information

If you receive a notice asking for additional documents or details, respond as soon as possible. The important date is usually 10 to 30 days from the date on the notice. Send the documents by mail to the address listed on the notice, or bring them in person to your local Social Security office.

Keep a copy of everything you send. If you mail documents, consider using certified mail with a return receipt so you have proof Social Security received them. If Social Security does not receive your response by the important date, they may deny your claim. You can reapply later, but it is faster to respond on time.

If you are unsure what documents Social Security is asking for, call 1-800-772-1213 and ask to speak with the representative handling your case. They can clarify what is needed and may be able to extend your important date if you have a good reason for needing more time.

How spousal benefits interact with your own retirement benefit

If you are also receiving your own Social Security retirement benefit, Social Security will not pay you both amounts. Instead, they will pay you whichever amount is higher. This is called the deemed filing rule.

If you were born on January 2, 1954 or later, Social Security will automatically file for both your retirement benefit and your spousal benefit when you explore. They will then pay you the higher of the two amounts. If you were born before January 2, 1954, you may have more flexibility in how and when you claim, and you should discuss your options with Social Security directly.

Waiting until your full retirement age to claim spousal benefits increases the amount you receive. However, waiting does not increase your spousal benefit the way it increases your own retirement benefit. Your spousal benefit reaches its maximum at your full retirement age and does not grow larger if you wait past that age.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I explore for spousal benefits if my spouse is still working?

No. Your spouse must have already stopped working and been approved for SSDI. Once they are receiving SSDI, you can explore for spousal benefits regardless of whether they continue to work part-time or earn money in other ways.

What if my spouse and I are not legally married?

Social Security requires a legal marriage certificate. Common-law marriages are recognized in some states, and Social Security will accept a common-law marriage certificate if your state issued one. If you are in a same-sex marriage, Social Security treats it the same as any other legal marriage.

Can I explore for spousal benefits if I am divorced?

Yes, if your marriage lasted at least 10 years and you are at least 62 years old. You do not need your ex-spouse's permission, and they do not need to know you are explore. Your ex-spouse must be at least 62 years old (or any age if they are already receiving retirement or disability benefits). You can explore even if your ex-spouse has remarried.

Will spousal benefits affect my spouse's SSDI payment?

No. Your spouse's SSDI benefit amount does not change when you explore for spousal benefits. However, the total amount paid to your family may be capped, which could reduce what other family members receive if they are also on your spouse's record.

How long does it take to receive my first payment after approval?

Payments typically begin the month after your process is approved. You will receive your first payment by direct deposit or check, depending on how you set it up during your process. The exact timing depends on which day of the month Social Security processes your claim.