I am 50 & have been on SSI since 1996. Married 25 years and separated for the last two. I am wondering if there is any way to receive benefits from his Social Security before I turn 62? SSI is designed to keep you poor and multiple times I've been charged overpayments I didn't/don't owe. I'm going through it again currently. MY husband is 55 and working still.

Hi. Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is a needs based benefit that Social Security administers. It's intended as a last resort source of income for people who don't have much in the way of income or resources, and who don't qualify for other types of benefits like Social Security. And unlike Social Security benefits, SSI is funded by general federal tax revenues rather than being based on any taxes that the SSI recipient may have paid in the past.

The only way that you could potentially qualify for Social Security benefits from your husband's record prior to when you reach age 62 is if a) your husband starts drawing Social Security disability or retirement benefits and if you have a child in your care who qualifies for benefits based on your husband's account, or b) if your husband dies and if he's insured for Social Security benefits.

Best, Jerry