Disabled Widow Benefits

The Social Security disability benefits providing financial support for disabled workers and their families may also be available for the widow or widower of the beneficiary. Additional benefits may be available for disabled widows or widowers who are eligible in their own right to collect disability benefits through the Social Security Administration.

SSD family benefits for spouses

If a person whose disability and work record allowed them to qualify for SSD benefits, their spouse or, under certain circumstances, an ex-spouse, may be eligible widow or widower benefits through the family benefits available under SSD. A widow or widower may be entitled to the following benefits:

A reduced benefit if they are at least 60 years of age and a full benefit upon reaching the age for full retirement based upon their birth year.
A disabled widow or widower whose disability started either before the death of their spouse or within seven years of it may receive benefits at 50 years of age.
Widows and widowers who care for a child who is younger than 16 years of age or who is disabled and receives SSD benefits may receive benefits provided they have not remarried.

A divorced spouse may qualify for survivor benefits provided they have not remarried, were married to their deceased ex-spouse for at least 10 years and are at least 62 years old.

What is the amount of disabled widow benefits?

Depending upon their age, disabled widows or widowers may receive between 71.5% and 100% of a deceased spouse's SSD benefits. A disabled widow or widower may qualify for 71.5% of the benefits at 50 years of age.

Get help applying for disabled widow benefits

Widows and widowers who suffer the devastating loss of a loved one need the assistance of a compassionate Corpus Christi Social Security disability attorney to ensure they receive the financial support they need and deserve. Contact the Law Office of Kathleen L. Day for more information and skilled assistance applying for SSD benefits.

For more information, or to schedule an appointment with our experienced disability attorney, complete our intake form or contact our office at (361) 888-4342.