Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) benefits provide essential financial aid for millions of Americans with disabilities. Life changes, including marriage and divorce, can raise concerns about your benefit status. As such, it’s natural to worry about losing or seeing a change in your benefits when you experience one of the two.
Work history, not marital status
In general, your marital status does not directly affect SSDI benefits. What really matters is your work history and disability or medical condition. How much you’ve paid into the Social Security system may also affect your benefits.
Still, there are a few indirect ways your marriage or divorce may impact your SSDI benefits.
Marriage and SSDI benefits
Your personal SSDI benefits do not change when you marry. However, if you receive benefits on someone else’s record, that changes things. For example, if you are receiving SSDI benefits from your ex-spouse’s work record, remarrying could end that.
Here are a few more points to keep in mind:
- Your new spouse might qualify for spousal benefits
- Any children you have will maintain their eligibility for benefits
- Your marriage may affect Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits if you receive them with SSDI
Remember, SSDI is an individual benefit. This means that your spouse’s income and assets do not affect your eligibility or your benefit amount.
Divorce and SSDI benefits
Similar to marriage, your personal SSDI benefits will continue without changes after you get a divorce. However, if you’re receiving dependent benefits on your spouse’s work record, then things may change.
Unless you meet certain conditions, you will likely lose your dependent benefits. These conditions include:
- Married for at least 10 years
- Must stay unmarried
- At least 62 years old or have a disability
The same conditions apply if your ex-spouse received benefits through your record.
Keeping your benefits through relationship changes
Your SSDI benefits generally remain protected through marriage and divorce. However, each situation brings unique considerations worth discussing with a legal professional. They can further explain how life changes may affect your situation and help you protect your benefits.
