When applying for Social Security Disability benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will screen you for all benefit programs you may be eligible for. If your deceased spouse or deceased ex-spouse was insured through the Social Security system you may qualify for what is called Disabled Widow/Widower’s benefits.
To be insured for Social Security Disability benefits the wage earner must have earned enough work credits to qualify. Work credits are earned by paying FICA taxes. For more information on eligibility requirements for Social Security Disability please view the SSA’s publication “Disability Benefits.”
If both you and your deceased spouse/ex-spouse are insured for Social Security Disability benefits, the SSA will determine under which earnings record you would be entitled to a higher benefit amount. To get an estimate of how much you would be entitled to on either your own record or your deceased spouse/ex-spouse’s record, you can contact the SSA directly at (800)772-1213.
If your ex-spouse is fully insured, there are other technical requirements the SSA will evaluate. In order to qualify you must be at least 50 years old, your alleged disability must have started prior to you reaching 60 years old, you must have been married for at least 10 years, and your alleged disability must have started within seven years of your ex-spouse’s death.
If you meet these technical aspects the SSA will medically evaluate your claim to determine if you are disabled under their rules.
For more information on this topic please view the SSA’s webpage, “Receive benefits from deceased ex-spouse’s record.”
