How Can a Stay-at-Home Mom Get Disability Benefits?

Being a stay-at-home parent is often called the most important job in the world. But what happens when a disability prevents you from caring for your children? Many stay-at-home moms (and dads) wonder if they can get disability benefits when health problems interfere with their ability to parent. The answer depends on several factors, including your work history and medical condition.

Can a Stay-at-Home Mom Collect Social Security Disability?

Yes, stay-at-home moms may be able to qualify for Social Security Disability benefit programs. These include Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Each has different eligibility criteria.

SSDI for Stay-at-Home Moms

Can a stay-at-home mom get SSDI benefits? Yes, but it depends on your previous work history. SSDI requires you to have enough recent work credits before you can qualify.

You earn credits by working and paying into Social Security over your lifetime. If you worked before becoming a stay-at-home parent, you might qualify for SSDI if you became disabled not long after leaving work. The exact timeframe depends on your age and how long you worked.

For example, if you’re 31 years old and you earned 20 credits in the 10 years before becoming disabled, then you likely have enough recent credits to receive benefits. However, every case is different. It’s important to speak with a professional to understand if you’re eligible for Social Security Disability.

SSI for Stay-at-Home Moms

If you don’t qualify for SSDI, you might still be eligible for SSI. This program can be a better option for parents who haven’t worked recently or at all.

SSI doesn’t require work credits. Instead, it looks at your current income and resources. To qualify for SSI as a stay-at-home parent, you must:

• Have limited income (including your spouse’s income)
• Have few resources (like savings or property)
• Meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability, OR be 65 or older

Medical Requirements for Disability Benefits

Whether seeking SSDI or SSI, you must prove your disability prevents you from working. The Social Security Administration uses the same medical criteria for both programs. Your condition must:

• Be expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
• Prevent you from performing Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
• Be documented by medical evidence
• Be listed in the Blue Book, meet a Blue Book listing in severity, or qualify for a Medical-Vocational Allowance

Many stay-at-home parents wonder if the SSA looks at their ability to care for their children when reviewing their claims. Social Security considers your ability to do any type of work, including parenting duties. If your condition prevents you from caring for your children, it likely affects other work activities.

Common Challenges for Stay-at-Home Parents Seeking Disability

Getting disability benefits as a stay-at-home mom can be difficult. Common issues include:

• No recent work credits for SSDI
• Household income is too high for SSI
• Difficulty proving work limitations without a recent job history
• Complex application requirements
• Long wait times for decisions

Steps To Apply for Disability

If you think you might qualify for disability benefits as a stay-at-home mom, start by:

1. Gathering your medical records
2. Documenting how your disability impacts your daily life
3. Understanding your household income and resources
4. Getting regular medical care for your condition
5. Finding out how many work credits you’ve earned in your lifetime

If you’re still wondering how to qualify for disability as a stay-at-home mom, we invite you to contact our law firm. At Leventhal, Sutton & Gornstein, we have years of experience helping clients seek and obtain disability benefits. We understand the complex guidelines for filing claims and what constitutes a qualifying condition. Reach out now to schedule your free consultation.

Getting Help With Your SSDI or SSI Claim

The process of applying for disability benefits can feel overwhelming, especially while managing health problems and family responsibilities. At Leventhal, Sutton & Gornstein, we understand the unique challenges stay-at-home parents face when seeking benefits.

Our experienced team helps residents in Philadelphia, PA, and nearby areas navigate both SSDI and SSI applications. If you want to learn more about getting disability benefits as a stay-at-home mom, contact us for a free consultation. With nearly a century of combined experience, you can trust us to review your situation and help you understand your options.