How To Get Social Security Benefits as a Stay-at-Home Mom

A stay-at-home mom may qualify for Social Security Disability benefits even if she is not currently working. Depending on circumstances, benefits may include SSDI based on a previous work history, SSI for people with limited income and resources, or benefits based on a spouse’s Social Security record. However, being a stay-at-home parent by itself does not qualify someone for disability benefits.

Can a Stay-at-Home Mom Get 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.

Being a stay-at-home parent is often called the most important job in the world. When a disability prevents you from caring for your children, many stay-at-home moms (and dads) wonder if they can get disability benefits. While the answer is yes, several factors, including your work history and medical condition, can affect eligibility.

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)
• Be age 65 or older, OR meet the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) definition of disability or blindness

If you’re a stay-at-home mom and Social Security benefits are something you need to apply for after illness or injury, our lawyers can help. Contact Leventhal, Sutton & Gornstein to schedule a free consultation.

Can a Stay-at-Home Mom Get Social Security Through Her Spouse?

A stay-at-home mom may be eligible for certain Social Security benefits based on her spouse’s work record, even if she has little or no work history of her own. However, these benefits are different from SSDI.

For example, a stay-at-home spouse may qualify for Social Security spousal retirement benefits when eligibility requirements are met. In some cases, a divorced spouse may also qualify based on a former spouse’s work record. Survivor’s benefits may be available if a spouse or former spouse dies.

However, you generally cannot receive SSDI disability benefits based on your spouse’s work credits. To qualify for SSDI, you typically need enough work credits from your own employment history. If you do not have enough work credits and have a qualifying disability, you may instead qualify for SSI if you meet the program’s income and resource limits.

Because Social Security for stay-at-home moms depends on work history, age, disability status, income, and family circumstances, it is important to determine which program applies to your situation.

Medical Requirements for Disability Benefits

Whether seeking SSDI or SSI, you must prove that 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 whether the SSA considers their ability to care for their children when reviewing a disability claim. Parenting itself is not considered employment for disability claim purposes. However, the SSA may consider your daily activities when evaluating how your condition limits you.

Difficulty cooking, cleaning, driving, lifting or carrying a child, concentrating, or following a routine may help show the effects of your condition. Ultimately, you must show that your medical condition prevents you from performing substantial work.

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 Social Security benefits as a stay-at-home parent, 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 Social Security benefits as a stay-at-home mother or father, 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.