Previously we have talked about the two main Social Security disability programs, Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI). A little know fact is that there are other disability programs people may be eligible for if Social Security finds you disabled.
One of those other types of programs it widow or widower benefits. Social Security estimates that there are about 5 million widows or widowers receiving monthly Social Security benefits. These benefits, rather than based on the widow or widower’s earnings are based on their deceased spouse’s earnings record.
The widow and widower’s benefits are not classified as only disability benefits because widows and widowers who are not disabled may also collect these benefits if they meet the right criteria.
A widow or widower can collect reduced benefits as early as age 60 or full retirement benefits based on their deceased spouse earnings record. A widow or widower can collect benefits as early as age 50 if he or she is disabled and the disability began within seven years of the spouse’s death.
If a widow or widower who is caring for their deceased spouse’s children receives Social Security benefits, he or she is still eligible if their disability starts before those payments end or within seven years after they end.
If a widow or widower remarries after they reach the age of 60 (50 if disabled) the remarriage will not affect their eligibility for survivor’s benefits.
A widow or widower who has not remarried can receive survivor’s benefits at any age if she or he takes of the deceased spouse’s children who are under the age of 16.
To learn more about survivors benefits click here.
