Ask Larry

Can I Use My Ex-Spouse's Earnings To Recalculate My SSDI?

I am on Soc Sec Disability. I am divorced, but was married for 17 years. He has been working a really good job right now. Can I somehow use this to recalculate my SSDI?

Can you get disability if you have never worked and are only 25?

Hi,

No, your Social Security disability (SSDI) benefit rate is based solely on your own earnings history. However, if you are at least age 62 and your ex-spouse is also at least age 62 or drawing SSDI then you could potentially qualify for divorced spousal benefits if your ex's full retirement age rate (PIA) is more than twice as much as your SSDI rate (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.03/handbook-0311.html).

You can't get SSDI benefits unless you've worked and paid into Social Security, but a person may qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) at any age if they are disabled and have little or no income and resources. For more information on SSI, refer to Social Security's website: https://www.ssa.gov/ssi/.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Mar 10 2018 - 8:03am
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