@user329132324
In order to get the 3rd stimulus you will need to file a 2021 tax return. It is too late to get the 3rd stimulus now in 2021. But you can get it by filing a 2021 return in 2022.
And we hope you will re-read and carefully consider the information that has been provided to you in this thread about filing jointly with your spouse. Your spouse would not claim you as a dependent. A spouse can never be claimed as a dependent. By filing jointly instead of filing separately, much less of your spouse's earnings would be taxable. Instead of having a standard deduction for one person of $12,550 ---- does it not sound better to the two of you for $25,100 of your spouse's earnings to be "tax-free?" By filing jointly, your standard deduction (the income that is not taxed) is doubled. The way your spouse has been filing has made MORE of her income subject to tax--apparently for years.
The two of you could file amended returns for as far back as 2018 and likely get refunds by amending those returns to joint returns.
As for applying for Social Security disability, that is up to you. The process to obtain those benefits can take quite awhile. And.....even if you are successful in getting SS disability, it would not mean you cannot ever work again or earn income again. ("However, she us encouraging me to get SSDI and I am truly not sure I want to go there because it would make me feel as I'm unable to do anything worthwhile.") You can still earn income even when you are getting Social Security. Your reasoning or your understanding of how it works is flawed. Many people who are collecting Social Security also work and earn some income. Another thing you should consider----you say you have health issues. Depending on the severity of your disability, if you begin to collect Social Security disability, you can become eligible to receive Medicare before you turn 65. You should be listening to your spouse when she suggests that you apply for disability.
Best of luck in getting your stimulus payments and in filing future tax returns.
**Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to offer the most correct information possible. The poster disclaims any legal responsibility for the accuracy of the information that is contained in this post.**
