If you're a stay-at-home mom, you might be able to collect Social Security Disability benefits based on your work history. You may even qualify without a recent work history if you meet certain requirements. You might be able to receive these benefits even if you're divorced.
Some government and railroad employees are not eligible for Social Security. American expatriates retiring in certain countries—and some retired immigrants to the U.S.—can't collect Social Security benefits. Divorced spouses married for fewer than 10 years cannot claim benefits based on the earnings of their ex-spouse.
To answer your exact question, yes, someone can work part time while awaiting a disability decision. You can work full time. You can work overtime. SSA does not prevent anyone from getting a job. However, the work you are doing will be evaluated.
Even if you don't earn a traditional income, you may still qualify for stay-at-home parent tax credits that can significantly lower your tax bill. One of the most beneficial credits to consider is the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), designed to provide financial assistance to low and moderate-income families.
If you're a homemaker or stay-at-home parent, your best option for disability benefits is to apply for supplemental security income. SSI is available to everyone, regardless of your history of paid, taxed work.
Selling used items, offering in-home child care, working as a freelance writer, and pet sitting are services that can start making money on short notice.
If you own a home, you may be able to refinance or take out a home equity loan. If you have friends or family who are willing and able to help, consider accepting their assistance. You may be able to borrow against or cash out a 401k or life insurance plan. There may be local charities which provide assistance.
In these cases, the disability claims examiner doesn't have to request that a medical consultant look at your file if they want to approve you. Your case could potentially be approved within 15-20 days if your medical records are complete and the date on which your disability began can be easily determined.
Overall, however, the most approved disability for Social Security is disabilities involving the musculoskeletal system and/or connective tissues. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), such conditions include arthritis, back pain, and lupus.
Can you still receive Social Security as a stay-at-home mom or dad? The good news is you can. If you are a married person with little to no earnings history, you can receive a benefit up to half of your spouse's Social Security.
Do not tell the doctor you are “okay,” “fine,” or “pretty good” when you are there for an assessment of your condition. Even saying this out of habit could jeopardize your claim. Be honest about your complaints, symptoms, and other details of your condition.
This means that your SSDI is based on your prior earnings and not on your spouse's income. But SSI is a different story, and your spouse's income could affect your access to SSI. SSI exists to help low-income individuals who need support for a disability.
Even if you have never worked in a job covered by Social Security, as a parent, there are two ways that you may still be eligible for benefits. If you are a parent and take care of your child who receives Social Security benefits and is under age 18, you can get benefits until your child reaches age 16.
Social Security won't pay a caregiver directly, but seniors can use their benefits to pay for home care and home health services. Supplemental Security Income or SSI benefits were created for individuals with low-income, seniors, and individuals living with a disability.
Be Honest and Thorough: This exam is all about understanding the extent of your disability. Be open about your symptoms and how they affect your day-to-day life. Don't downplay your condition or symptoms out of fear of sounding overly dramatic. Conversely, avoid exaggerating your symptoms.
Money In The Bank And SSDI
The SSDI program does not limit how much money you can have in the bank because there are no resource limits as you find with SSI.
What Is a 100% Disability Rating? A 100 percent disability rating, or total disability rating, is the highest rating VA can assign for service-connected compensation purposes. VA reserves this rating for veterans with extremely debilitating service-connected conditions.
These can include income levels, the severity and duration of your condition, and the degree you cooperate with medical professionals and the SSA. It is not an exhaustive list, however. Other disqualifiers can also include imprisonment and fraudulent activity.
It's extremely important to stick to the facts during your interview and provide accurate and honest answers to the questions you're asked. The information you provide and discuss during your interview need to align with the information provided on your application and your medical records.
Making an extra $2000 a month is going to take work, that's just how it is. One option is starting a blog in your area of expertise and monetizing it through affiliate marketing or sponsored content. Another option is providing childcare services, working as a nanny, or starting a daycare center in your home.
For qualified families, the state of California has a program called In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), which pays an individual caregiver to stay home and care for a developmentally disabled child.
Additional Financial Resources for Stay at Home Moms
One option is to explore government programs designed specifically for mothers who choose to stay at home. These programs may provide assistance with healthcare expenses, childcare costs, or even educational grants.