If you’re a stay-at-home parent facing a disability, you may be wondering whether you’re eligible for Social Security Disability benefits to help provide financial support during a time when your health is preventing you from managing your regular activities.

The answer depends on several factors, including your work history, income, and the severity of your medical conditions. Let’s break down how Social Security evaluates your situation and whether you might be eligible for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Understanding the Two Main Disability Programs

To determine if you’re eligible for benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will assess whether you qualify for either Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). These two programs have different eligibility requirements:

• SSDI: This program is based on your work history and the number of “work credits” you’ve earned.
• SSI: This income-based program is designed for individuals with limited income and resources who are disabled, blind, or elderly.

Eligibility for SSDI

To qualify for SSDI, you need to have a certain number of work credits earned through working and paying Social Security taxes (FICA taxes). The number of credits required depends on your age when you become disabled. This can be difficult to determine on your own, so it’s best to discuss your work history and work credits with an attorney.

If your work history isn’t recent enough, it is likely that you will not qualify for SSDI benefits. However, you could be eligible for SSI.

Eligibility for SSI

Unlike SSDI, SSI is based on income and assets rather than your work history. To qualify for SSI, you must meet specific financial criteria, including household income and asset limits. For example, if your spouse is working or you have assets that exceed the SSA’s thresholds (such as savings or property), you might not qualify for SSI.

If you meet the financial requirements for SSI, you must also be medically disabled according to SSA’s guidelines. SSA evaluates your condition based on the severity of your symptoms and how they prevent you from engaging in gainful work.

How Does SSA Evaluate a Stay-at-Home Parent’s Disability Claim?

As a stay-at-home parent, you might wonder how Social Security will assess your situation. While being a stay-at-home parent is not classified as past relevant work, the SSA will consider it when assessing your situation. They’ll look at how you manage your personal and your family’s needs, evaluating the age and capabilities of your children, your responsibilities, and any additional help you receive.  This will help them to determine if your condition is severe enough to keep you from working at gainful activity levels as well as giving the SSA a more complete picture of how your condition affects your day-to-day activities.

To meet the SSA’s criteria of being disabled, your condition must be severe enough to prevent you from performing your previous work or any other type of work that would allow you to earn a living. The key is that your condition must be limiting to the point where you cannot engage in substantial gainful activity.

Denied Social Security Disability Benefits? Don’t Give Up

It’s important to understand that securing Social Security Disability benefits can be a complex process. Many people, including stay-at-home parents, face initial denials from the Social Security Administration (SSA). This is often due to the in-depth rules governing eligibility and how SSA evaluates each case.

It’s not uncommon for applicants to be denied on their first attempt, but a denial does not mean you should give up. Many claims are approved after the appeals process or after submitting additional medical evidence to support your case.

Struggling With a Disability as a Stay-at-Home Parent?

Being a stay-at-home parent with a disability can pose significant challenges, but it doesn’t automatically disqualify you from receiving benefits. Whether you qualify for SSDI or SSI depends on your unique situation, including your work history, income, and the severity of your medical condition. The SSA’s process can be challenging, and many individuals face denials. If you’re considering applying for Social Security Disability benefits, consider seeking the professional guidance of a disability lawyer.