How to Draw SSI Disability Benefits From a Spouse

The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers Supplemental Security Income (SSI) to certain low-income individuals, including the elderly and disabled. SSA will pay SSI to low-income spouses in certain cases of death or disability. If you were married to someone for at least 10 years then got divorced, you may be able to collect SSI from their record.

Instructions

• 1

  Assess your eligibility for SSI under spouses or survivors benefits. You can do this by using SSA's Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) available on SSA's website.

• 2

  Gather documents necessary for completing the application. You will need to bring a death certificate for your spouse or ex-spouse (if spouse or ex-spouse is deceased), your Social Security number, birth certificate, marriage certificate or divorce papers, and Social Security numbers for any dependent children. You should apply as soon as possible, since benefits are paid starting on the date of the application, not the date of death or disability.

• 3

  Apply for spouse's benefits or survivor's benefits at your local SSA office. You may also complete an application via phone by calling your local SSA office.