Am I entitled to auxiliary benefits for my spouse?

Yes, there are ways for a spouse, even an ex-spouse, of a disabled person to receive Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits. The SSA or Social Security Administration requires that certain conditions be met. First, the spouse must be over 62 years of age. The spouse qualifies as well if he or she is taking care of a dependent child who must either be below 16 or also disabled. Additionally, the disabled person and the spouse must have been married for a period not less than ten years. If divorced, the spouse must not be married to another person (and benefits can be claimed only up to 2 years after the date of divorce); and the spouse, either through his own or somebody else’s records, must not be getting any other benefits that is equal or higher to the amount granted him through the disabled person’s records. Though the spouse is entitled to an amount that can reach one-half the disabled person’s disability income (this is the maximum), there is a limit on the disability benefits that a single family is eligible for. This amount varies but can reach up to 180 percent of the disabled person’s benefits.

When filing for spousal disability benefits, a person must of course provide information regarding the spouse as well. The spouse’s birth certificate, Social Security number, and marriage certificate, among other things, must be presented. Once a person claims a disability benefit, he or she will also be notified of any benefits his or her spouse is entitled to.