Benefits for caregivers?

SS Q & A Index   GO TO PAGE:PREVIOUS  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14  NEXT

Benefits for caregivers?

Question from David:

I am totally disabled and receive SSD. My condition is getting worse and my wife may have to quit her job of 28 years to care for me. QUESTION: Are there any benefits she may receive because of our situation?

I have a second question which may not be in your area of expertise
but maybe you could direct me to a source of information. I live in a rural
area south of Fort Worth ,Texas where there is "a lot of wind". If I could
find a grant for a wind/electric generator it would lower my electric
bill which is very high in the hot Texas summers, because of air conditioning.
Thank You In Advance For Any Information You Supply !!
David
 

Response from Alan:

Hi David,

There is a class of Social Security benefits that can be paid to some dependent family members. Those payments are based on your own entitlement to disability and are termed "auxiliary benefits."  They can be paid to a spouse who is over age 62, or a spouse who has a child of yours under age 16 in their care. If your wife fits one of those categories, and her income drops below Social Security's "retirement test," you should contact your local Social Security office to explore an application. (Auxiliary benefits can also be paid to dependent children and dependent parents under some conditions.)

Unfortunately, there is not a Social Security benefit paid to someone, even a spouse, for taking care of you.

(I'm afraid funding for wind turbines is pretty far afield for me. I'll have to pass on that part of your question.)

Best wishes,
Alan
 

May 14, 2008

SS Q & A Index   GO TO PAGE:PREVIOUS  1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14  NEXT