Social Security Disability
Social Security Disability Insurance covers people who cannot work because they have a medical condition that is expected to last at least one year or result in death. Benefits are based on your Social Security earnings and some of your family members or dependents might also receive payments.
Applications are available online and from the Social Security office. Approvals can take a long time, and they are known for turning down qualified applicants for paperwork errors and omissions. Under most conditions though, benefits are paid retroactive to the application date, so if you are turned down, it's worth your while to appeal, rather than start over with a new application and lose the retroactive benefits.
The amount of your benefit is based on your average lifetime earnings, and is included in the Social Security Statement that is mailed to you each year. Eligibility is based only on your ability to work and is not affected by your spouse's income, savings, or assets.