Can I get benefits if I have never been employed?

Maybe. If you have little money and your spouse has a low income, you might be able to get SSI.

If you’re married, you may be eligible for Social Security benefits through your spouse. You might be entitled to benefits when your spouse retires, if you are of retirement age, or when your spouse dies, if you are 60, or if you are over 50 and disabled.

You can also receive benefits if you are caring for a child who is under 16 or disabled, if that child is also entitled to benefits.

If you have been disabled since before you were 22, and your parents are drawing benefits for any reason, you might be eligible under your parent’s record as a disabled adult child. For more information, contact the administration’s toll free number at 1-800-772-1213. If you live in North or South Carolina, you may call us at 864-582-7882 or click here to e-mail us.