Disabled Widow(er)'s and Surviving Spouse Benefits

There are a few types of benefits available through Social Security for surviving spouses. The most common of these are Surviving Spouse benefits and Disabled Widow(er) benefits.

For a spouse to qualify for either of these benefits, the deceased worker must have earned enough work credits, and the marriage must have lasted at least nine months. The deceased worker’s benefit amount must also be higher than the surviving spouse’s/widow(er)’s would be.

Surviving Spouse benefits is a monthly check paid to a widow(er) that is at least 60 years old and that did not remarry prior to age 60. The Surviving Spouse must simply file the claim and provide sufficient evidence that the above-requirements are met, and then benefits will start.

Disabled Widow(er)’s benefits is a monthly check and Medicare coverage paid to a disabled widow(er) that is between ages 50 and 60 and that did not remarry prior to age 50. Applying for this benefit is a lengthier process than applying for Surviving Spouse benefits, as the widow(er) must first provide all the same evidence related to the marriage and death, and then must also go through the entire disability medical evaluation process and be found disabled within seven years of the spouse's death.

If you are applying for Disabled Widow(er)s benefits or appealing a denial, please call me to discuss your rights and options.