WIDOW BENEFITS

Many times a person hasn't worked long enough, or hasn't worked recently enough to be eligible for Title II disability benefits under his or her own work record.  Another venue to check would be widow's benefits. Reduced retirement benefits may be available to widows at age 60.  Disability benefits may be available at age 50.

Basic requirements for widow's disability benefits are:
  • You were married to the worker for at least 10 years.
  • Your disability began before or within 7 years of the worker's death.
  • You are at least 50 years of age.
  • You meet the same definition of disability as would be required of a worker.
Survivor's benefits may be available at any age if you take care of the deceased worker's child who is under the age of 16 OR the child is disabled and receives a benefit under the deceased worker's record.

Remarriage after age 50 does not affect disability benefits.  Remarriage after age 60 will not affect retirement benefits.

You must go to a Social Security office to apply for Widow's or survivor's benefits.  You cannot apply for these benefits online.  Taking a completed Disability Report with you will shorten the time required for the application process.  The Disability Report can be downloaded from www.socialsecurity.gov. 

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