If you have lost your spouse and have a disability, you may qualify for disabled widow and widower benefits through Social Security. These benefits can provide much-needed financial support while you go through challenging times.
Below are the eligibility requirements and how you can apply for these benefits.
Eligibility criteria
There are specific conditions you must meet to qualify for these benefits. These include:
- Your age: You must be between 50 and 60 years old.
- Your marital status: You should be the widow, widower or surviving divorced spouse of a worker with Social Security insurance. Also, your marriage must have lasted for at least nine months before your spouse’s death.
- Your disability: There is a specific period that qualifies your disability for benefits. Your disability must have started before or within seven years of your spouse’s death. There may be exceptions for this, and you may receive benefits even if your disability developed after your spouse’s death, such as when you have minor children at home.
- Your work history. Prior to your disability, you may have been eligible for Social Security retirement benefits. Your own benefits cannot be higher than the disabled widow or widower benefits.
If you remarry before age 50, you may lose eligibility for these benefits. However, remarriage after age 50 will not affect your eligibility.
How to apply
Applying for disabled widow and widower benefits requires careful preparation. It also involves gathering relevant documents. Preparing ahead of time may be the best move. It gives you enough time to resolve any issues during the application process.
Below are the steps you need to accomplish:
- Prepare all the necessary documents: These include your birth certificate, marriage certificate and spouse’s death certificate. You should also include medical records detailing your disability.
- File your application with Social Security: You can apply online, by phone or personally file your application at your local Social Security office.
- Complete the application: Provide accurate information about your disability, work history and medical treatment.
- Wait for a decision: The Social Security Administration will review your application and decide whether to award you disabled widow and widower benefits. They may contact you for clarification or request additional information.
If Social Security approves your application, your benefits will automatically convert to retirement benefits when you reach full retirement age. This transition happens without any action required on your part.
Applying for disabled widow and widower benefits can seem daunting. However, the benefits can provide you with much-needed financial support. If you believe you qualify, it may be best to explore this option further. Consulting with an experienced attorney may help you go through the application process more effectively.