Disabled Widow's Benefits
- Home
- Disability
- South Carolina's Social Security Disability and SSI Specialists
Disabled Widow's Benefits are a type of Social Security benefit available to individuals who are widowed and disabled. These benefits are provided under the Social Security Survivor Benefits program, and they are designed to help widows or widowers who are unable to work due to a disability. The Social Security Administration (SSA) offers these benefits to provide financial support for individuals who were dependent on their deceased spouse’s work record.
To qualify for Disabled Widow’s Benefits, you must be between the ages of 50 and 60 (the age range for widow's benefits), and your disability must have occurred within seven years of your spouse’s death.
The widow(er) must be disabled according to the SSA’s definition. This means the person must have a medical condition that severely limits their ability to work, is expected to last at least 12 months, or is expected to result in death.
You must have been married to the deceased person for at least nine months before their death. There are some exceptions to this rule, such as if the death was accidental.
The deceased spouse must have worked long enough and paid into Social Security to qualify for survivor benefits. Generally, the spouse must have earned a sufficient number of work credits (usually 40 credits, or 10 years of work), though there are exceptions for younger workers.
The amount of Disabled Widow’s Benefits is generally based on the deceased spouse’s Social Security benefit amount. If the widow(er) is also receiving other Social Security benefits (such as a personal disability benefit or another type of survivor benefit), the amount of Disabled Widow’s Benefits may be reduced.
After receiving Disabled Widow’s Benefits for two years, the individual becomes eligible for Medicare (the federal health insurance program). This provides health coverage for those aged 65 and older, or for those under 65 with a qualifying disability.
If the widow(er) remarries before age 60, they generally lose eligibility for Disabled Widow's Benefits. If the widow(er) remarries after age 60, they can still receive benefits based on their deceased spouse’s record.
Milton English & Whitten is dedicated to assisting individuals with disabilities throughout every stage of the claims process. Our Charleston disability attorneys handle cases at all levels, including appeals to federal District Court following a denial after a hearing with an administrative law judge. Reach out today to learn how Will Milton English, a skilled Charleston disability lawyer, and his team can assist you. Call (843) 881-1399, email info@miltonwhitten.com, or schedule an appointment here!