Applying for Social Security Disability benefits is one of the most frustrating processes a person can go through. You are dealing with a serious health condition that prevents you from working, and instead of support, you get a denial letter. It happens to the majority of applicants on their first attempt, and it happens even when the disability is real and severe. What most people do not realize is that the outcome is not just about the condition itself. It is about how the case is built, what evidence is submitted, and whether someone who understands the system is fighting for you. An SSD law firm does not change your condition. It changes what the SSA sees when they evaluate your claim. [caption id="attachment_74621" align="aligncenter" width="500"]ssd-law-firm-nevada-pexels Photo by SHVETS production[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_64769" align="aligncenter" width="500"]stay-at-home-moms Source[/caption] 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.