SAHMs in the US have a critical misunderstanding of how Disability works and the resulting stories are heartbreaking.

As a worker with enough work credits within 5 years in the US, you qualify for SSDI. That’s the system your taxes pay into. If you’re awarded SSDI, your assets, spouse’s income, and passive income (rental income, dividends, etc.) don’t count against your monthly benefit. You could win the lottery and continue receiving your monthly payment (Thats based on your previous working income up to about $2K.)

If you don’t have work credits to qualify within the previous 5 years, you file for SSI. SSI is an entitlement program that you qualify for both by being disabled AND income/asset wise (like food stamps or Medicaid.) It also caps out at $780.

This means that if you become disabled and think “I’m just gonna stay at home and contribute that way” then try to apply several years later, you may not have enough credits to apply. Then you can’t apply for SSI either because they’re counting your husbands income and second car if you have one. ($2K asset limit.)

Or let’s say you’re a SAHM and become disabled and have an abusive/unsupporting partner, you have to split up with them BEFORE you can apply. And it could take years. So you’re either stuck with them forever or in a horrible, desperate spot.

I never see this considered in the ‘should I stay home’ calculation, but as someone who suddenly stopped working at 32…keep your job ladies. Unless you’ve got a water right back up plan then you’re putting your future in serious jeopardy. I read the stories from women in this position. They’re being neglected. Abused. Or they’re homeless.

A little off topic but: if you’re in a shitty relationship, ask yourself how safe you’d be if they had that kind of power over you when you’re sick. If that thought makes you uncomfortable, just remember that the one commonality all humans share is that one day we will all get sick and die.