Your assets don't matter with SSDI

I'm assuming you would file for SSI (for those who are disabled and low income) as you mentioned that you 'didn't work enough to qualify' so I'm assuming that would be SSDI.

With SSI you can't have more than $3000 (for a 2 person household) in the bank or more than a certain amount of household income. You could still own a house and a vehicle (one for you and one for wife). You should look into what the income restrictions are in your state.

Quick google check shows in Illinois (random google, don't know what state you are) that if you get approved for SSI it would bring your household income up to $1011 a month. If your wife already makes more than that, you'd be out of luck.