14 Nov Is a Stay-at-Home Mom Entitled to Social Security Disability?

You chose the family’s financial stability and well-being when you decided to become a stay-at-home mom. Statistics suggest that 25% of mothers left their jobs in 2023 to look after their children, compared to just 15% in 2022. 

Due to their lack of work history, many stay-at-home mothers are misinformed that they’ll be automatically eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). Unfortunately, stay-at-home parents can only access SSDI based on their spouse/ex-spouse’s work credits or medical history. 

In this blog post, we’ll discuss your eligibility and the possibility of getting SSDI benefits.

Overview of Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)

SSDI is a program by the federal government that offers financial assistance to citizens who are unable to work. Ideally, you’ll only be eligible if you have a qualifying disability that prevents you from getting a job.

Over 7 million Americans are currently being paid under this scheme. Unlike other Social Security benefits, SSDI is usually based on the following:

• Applicant’s or their spouse’s work history
• Accumulation of work credit by paying taxes
• A qualifying disability that prevents you from getting a job

This distinction raises questions for any stay-at-home parent. For instance, you might not have recent work experience, but your spouse’s work record might determine your SSDI eligibility. Similarly, your medical disability can also be considered.

Some even confuse this with Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which doesn’t require a work history and provides you with money for regular expenses. 

SSDI Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for SSDI, stay-at-home mothers generally need:

• Forty work credits
• Twenty credits earned (within the last decade) before disability onset
• Valid medical condition

To earn Social Security credits, you must have a wage of USD 1,730. For that, you’ll earn a maximum of four credits annually. 

As a stay-at-home mom, this requirement explains that you cannot get an SSDI without recent employment, insufficient credits, and gaps in work history.

Instead, you can apply for an SSI that serves as an alternative. It’s usually designed for disabled individuals with limited resources and income. With this, you’ll get financial assistance regardless of your work history.

Medical Eligibility Criteria for SSDI

To qualify for SSDI, stay-at-home mothers must demonstrate the following:

• A severe medical condition that can last at least twelve months or eventually lead to death.
• The condition must significantly impair your physical and mental competence for tasks and work-related ventures.
• You cannot perform a substantial gainful activity (SGA) or the work you did previously due to this medical condition.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) has a detailed list of impairments you can check before providing medical documentation to prove your condition. 

Note: SSDI doesn’t pay benefits for short-term disability.

Challenges for Stay-at-Home Moms in Qualifying for Disability Benefits

You might face unique challenges when trying to get SSDI benefits, like:

• Ineligibility due to limited Social Security credits from a lack of recent work history
• Disqualification based on caregiving priorities over employment
• Too many financial resources to qualify for SSI
• An employer who doesn’t pay for a long-term disability policy

Even then, there are eligibility pathways. You can qualify for SSDI through:

• Your husband’s work history and sufficient credits
• Divorced stay-at-home moms can access benefits if the marriage lasted at least ten years, meeting specific criteria

Eligibility Considerations for Non-Working Parents

According to a BLS report, 4.8% of all American families had an unemployed person in 2023. This was a 4.7% increase from 2022. Technically, about 80.2% of families have one employed member. 

If you’re a non-working stay-at-home mom, here are a few eligibility considerations:

• Spousal benefits: You might qualify for SSDI based on your spouse’s earned work credits and if you cannot work due to a disability. This will include divorced individuals (married for 10 years) and married couples.
• Dependent benefits for children: Children can also qualify for Social Security benefits, and dependents can receive financial aid till they are 19. In case the parent is deceased, the child can receive higher survivor benefits.

Consulting a Disability Attorney

According to Russell & Hill, 30% of all SSDI benefit applications are approved on the first attempt. If rejected, it can be due to income limitations, lack of medical evidence, prior denial, failure to cooperate, and more. 

To avoid these, stay-at-home moms must consult a disability attorney. This way, they can gain invaluable insights into SSDI claims and navigate the complexities. If you’re hiring an SSDI attorney, you’ll get the following services:

• Attorneys help clients understand eligibility requirements.
• These professionals ensure all necessary documents are prepared accurately.
• They can assist you in getting medical records and formulating arguments.

The lawyers also help address any legal challenges arising during the appeal process. Many offer a free initial consultation that allows you to assess their eligibility without financial commitments.

As a result, you can discuss the circumstances and receive guidance on the best way forward. With an SSDI attorney’s support, you can enhance the likelihood of a successful claim.

Applying for SSDI or SSI Benefits

Follow these steps to apply for an SSDI or SSI:

• Gather documents: Gather necessary medical records, financial information, and work history. Examples include detailed descriptions of treatment plans, medical conditions, test results, etc.
• Application: The SSA website allows you to apply online via a desktop or a phone. You can also submit the application at your local SSA office. In the case of SSI, stay-at-home moms must fill out an online form and go for an interview.
• Follow up: Once submitted, you can monitor the application status on the website. Respond promptly every time there’s a request for additional information to improve your approval chances.

Remember to fill out the forms accurately and thoroughly by clearly explaining the disability’s effects on your life and work.

Options for Appealing a Denied Claim

At least 84% of applicants have their SSDI denied or dismissed. Once denied, the appeal process looks like this:

• A reconsideration within sixty days of denial. A different examiner will review the case, and new evidence can be submitted.
• Hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) within that timeframe to present your testimony and evidence.
• In case the ALJ denies your claim, request the Appeals Council and get your application reviewed for legal errors.
• The last step would be to file a lawsuit at a federal court with the help of an SSDI attorney if the request to review the case is refused or denied.

As you can see, having SSDI lawyers during this can help you ensure compliance with deadlines and prepare authentic documents. They’ll advocate on your behalf, increasing your chances of a successful appeal.

Alternative Support Resources for Non-Qualifying Parents

Example: Kai has received SSDI benefits since 2017. However, he secured a full-time job with a high countable earning of USD 1,800, making him ineligible for SSDI.

While Kai has a job, stay-at-home moms won’t have a second option if their SSDI or SSI benefits are rejected. Thankfully, there are alternative support options. Examples include state-based local aid, nonprofit organizations, and other programs to assist.

Some resources that can help non-qualifying mothers include the following:

• State-funded financial aid, healthcare, and food assistance programs for low-income families.
• Emergency financial assistance and other resources for families in need from local nonprofits.
• Action agencies in your community can help you gain access to job training, financial counseling, housing assistance, and more.

Stay-at-home parents should also get legal support and advocacy from a network of lawyers in their city to navigate SSDI claims.

Common Pitfalls When Applying for Disability Benefits

As a mom, you’ll be busy taking care of your family. That’s why you may overlook certain factors when applying for SSDI. 

Take a look at some pitfalls that can impact your claim success:

• You might fail to provide comprehensive medical records and detailed descriptions. To avoid insufficient documents, hire an SSDI attorney.
• There’s a possibility that you’ll fail to submit the application or appeal within the specified timeframe, leading to automatic denials. You must keep track of the deadlines and set reminders for timely submissions.
• Inaccurate or vague information can lead to rejections. To avoid jeopardizing your SSDI application, be truthful about your work history and medical records. 

Don’t forget to review all your details carefully before submitting them to ensure accuracy. Similarly, regularly check your application status to get updates about your SSDI claims.

To Sum Up

As a stay-at-home mom, you can qualify for SSDI benefits through your spouse’s work history or disability. 

The eligibility requirements include medical criteria and Social Security credits. To apply, you’ll have to gather comprehensive medical records, submit online forms, and follow up on the claim status. 

Consulting an SSDI attorney can help you navigate this application process and enhance the chance of approvals. In case it’s rejected, mothers can look for state assistance programs or help from local nonprofits.

 

 

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Last Updated on November 14, 2024 by Marie Benz MD FAAD