Preparing for the Unexpected: 4 Tips to Consider if Your Spouse Can’t Work Anymore

When the unthinkable occurs, it can be easy to get stuck on all of the “what ifs” that run through our heads: Am I the family breadwinner now? What happens to the kids if something happens to me too? Fortunately, there are many steps you and your partner can take to ensure a stable financial future for your family.

See If Your Spouse Is Eligible for Unemployment

If your spouse is still able to work in some capacity, unemployment is a great way to providing stable income for your family during the job hunt. According to the Department of Labor, your spouse is eligible for unemployment as long as they are unemployed through no fault of their own and they meet state requirements for time worked or wages earned. 

They may be required to document their search for a new job weekly or biweekly in order to continue receiving benefits. Laws vary based on state and based on which type of unemployment your spouse is applying for.

Consider Working from Home

Working from home can give your spouse a greater sense of confidence and autonomy than you might expect. The online workforce has a variety of engaging jobs from content creation to being a virtual assistant. 





Freelancing platforms like Upwork or Textbroker can help your spouse get started building their new business and finding clients. However, freelancing isn’t always reliable; slow seasons and competition make the online market an iffy option for families with immediate financial needs.

File for Disability

If your spouse is totally unable to work, filing for disability can take much of the financial pressure off of you and your family. Social Security disability is available to anyone that has worked in a job covered by Social Security that also has a medical condition meeting Social Security’s definition of disability. 

Consider streamlining the application and approval process by using Social Security disability attorney services to make sure you and your spouse receive the amount of monthly compensation you deserve.

Stay Calm and Avoid Catastrophic Thinking

The most important thing to do when life throws you a curveball is to avoid catastrophic thinking. Spend a little time everyday focusing on the positives in your life. It’s important to separate the person from the pain; unemployment and disability place strain on any marriage, making it vital to lean towards each other rather than away from each other during this trying time. 

Consider setting aside time every week to spend focusing on your romantic relationship with your spouse, whether it be family dinner night or watching television together.

No one ever wants to deal with another of life’s trials, and if your spouse is struggling, chances are that you are too. Always remember why you got married in the first place and never forget the age-old adage: this too shall pass.

5 Different Financial Programs That Assist the Disabled

Although most people hope to get through life as healthy and functional as possible, there are a number of unexpected circumstances that can cause anyone to become disabled.

Whether you are facing long-term or short-term disability, you may find that you simply do not have the resources required to meet all of your financial and living needs. Fortunately, there are a number of programs available to assist the disabled meet their financial needs without having to go without basic, needed necessities.

Housing Assistance

Housing is a significant expense for most people. When you find yourself unable to work, you may have difficulty finding housing options that you can afford. The good news is that Section 811 vouchers are designed to ensure that the disabled have a safe and comfortable home.

As long as the home chosen by the disabled party meets the program’s terms, the tenant is not required to spend more than 30% of their income towards rent. This program benefits many different people from all walks of life, whether they were disabled in combat, or if they had an unfortunate accident.

Heating or Cooling Bill Assistance

For the disabled with a low income, there is help available for paying heating and cooling bills. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program offers grants for those in need of assistance paying their energy bills.

Furthermore, the program gives priority to the disabled. Some individuals are able to make ends meet by utilizing this program.

Social Security Disability

Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI, provides much-needed cash assistance to individuals and their family members who are unable to work or significantly impacted by an injury, medical condition or other hardship. Professionals, like those at Tarkowsky & Piper Co., L.P.A., can help obtain the needed medical records to maximize your disability claim.

The SSDI program is designed to assist workers who have paid into the Social Security system for many years. Although the dollar amounts of SSDI payments are determined by an individual’s lifetime earnings to date, the benefit assists disabled taxpayers who may otherwise do without.

Supplemental Security Income

Another federal government program for the disabled is the Supplemental Security Income program, or SSI. Paid for by general tax revenues, this program provides assistance for the blind, disabled, elderly and even their low-income children. The program helps with essential needs, such as housing, clothing and food. This helps many families grow and prosper, despite the difficulties they are facing.

Employment Assistance

For those individuals between the ages of 18 and 65 who receive SSDI or SSI cash benefits but are still able to work, the Ticket to Work Program offers work related resources like vocational rehabilitation, employment training and job referrals.

In fact, the program offers a wide range of employment services. Doing a little bit of research about this program can yield more information.

If you are in need of disability assistance for yourself or someone else, there is no need to worry about not having the things you need to live a comfortable life. With so many financial programs that assist the disabled, you can rest assured and know that you will continue to enjoy your life for many years to come.