wife is trying to get ssi.they asked for my pay stubs for the past 6mos.why do they need them

Supplemental Security Income -- SSI -- is based upon the Federal poverty household income rates.  Your income, if high enough, may disqualify your wife from SSI benefits. If you wife has worked at least 20 of the previous 40 calendar quarters prior to becoming disabled, she would be eligible for Disability Insurance Benefits -- DIB -- based upon her earnings record.  Household income does not affect DIB entitlement. Your wife can go to www.ssa.gov and open a My Social Security account to verify her earnings record.