Can I qualify for SSDI at 59 with work gap after helping run family business under husband's SS number?

You're in a complicated situation but there are several options to explore. Let me break it down: 1) For SSDI: You need to have worked 5 out of the last 10 years (20 credits) at your age. From what you described, you might qualify since you've been filing under your own SSN for 6 years. The gap before that wouldn't matter for disability qualification purposes. 2) For early retirement: Yes, you can claim reduced retirement benefits at 62. If you have enough credits (40 total), the gap doesn't disqualify you, but it will affect your benefit amount since those zero-earning years may be included in your 35-year calculation. 3) Spousal benefits: Since your husband is on SSDI, you might qualify for spousal benefits at age 62 (50% of his benefit amount). First step: Create a my Social Security account online and check your earnings record and estimated benefits. Then contact SSA directly to discuss your options based on your specific situation.

have u tried calling the SSA? good luck with that lol. i spent 3 DAYS trying to get thru to a person when my husband passed. kept disconnecting me after 2 hours on hold!!!

Based on what you've shared, I'd recommend applying for SSDI now rather than waiting for retirement benefits. Here's why: 1. If approved for SSDI, you'll receive your full benefit amount regardless of age (not reduced like early retirement) 2. After 24 months on SSDI, you'll qualify for Medicare regardless of age 3. If denied, you can still apply for early retirement when you turn 62 For the work credits: At age 59, you need 40 total credits (10 years) overall, AND 20 credits in the last 10 years (5 years). Your 6 years of self-employment plus some of your previous 14 years may satisfy this requirement. The gap in your work history isn't disqualifying for SSDI eligibility, but as mentioned, it will affect your benefit calculation since benefits are based on lifetime earnings averaged over 35 years.

I went through something similar with my husband's construction business. The SSA will look at your tax returns very carefully to determine if you were truly self-employed during those 6 years or if they were just filed that way for convenience. Make sure you have documentation showing you were actually running the business - customer receipts with your name, business cards, anything showing you as an owner/operator. They scrutinize small family businesses carefully.

I had to call SSA 47 times before I could talk to someone about my disability application. It was a nightmare trying to get through. When I finally did speak to someone who could help, they were actually really nice and helpful, but GETTING to that person? Impossible. I recently discovered a service called Claimyr that got me through to a real person at SSA in under 10 minutes. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU - it saved me hours of frustration when I needed to follow up about my application status. Definitely worth checking out if you need to speak with someone at SSA about your specific situation.

you should look into SSI too if ur income is low enough. my sister gets SSDI and SSI both because her SSDI is so small.

Honey trust me APPLY FOR SSDI NOW!!! Don't wait til 62!!! If you're truly disabled they'll approve you! I waited too long because I thought I wouldn't qualify with my work history gaps and I lost out on YEARS of payments I could have received!!! The system is SO FRUSTRATING but if you qualify you DESERVE those benefits after working and paying into the system all those years!!! Make sure your doctor documents EVERYTHING about your condition!!!!

To address your follow-up question about improving your chances and speeding up the SSDI process: 1. Make sure your medical records clearly document your conditions and limitations 2. Be specific about how your health prevents you from working 3. Get statements from doctors specifically addressing your work limitations 4. Complete all paperwork thoroughly and promptly 5. Respond immediately to any requests for additional information Also, you mentioned your husband's SSDI isn't enough to cover expenses. You might want to verify he's receiving all benefits he's entitled to. If he's on SSDI for 6 years and has a dependent minor child, or if he's reached Full Retirement Age, there might be additional benefits available.

btw when u apply make sure u list EVERY single thing wrong with u not just the main problem. my claim was denied when i only talked about my back but got approved when i listed everything (diabetes, depression, high blood pressure, etc). they look at the COMBINED effect of all ur health problems!

One more thing to consider about your situation: If your husband's SSDI benefit is very low, it might be because not all of your business income was properly credited to his earnings record during those years you filed jointly. Self-employment income is reported on Schedule SE, and sometimes small business owners don't complete this correctly. It might be worth having a Social Security representative review his earnings record to ensure all income was properly credited. If there are errors, you can request corrections with proof of tax filings. The same goes for your own record during the 6 years you've been filing - make sure you're completing Schedule SE correctly so your self-employment earnings count toward your Social Security credits.