Widowing poses both emotional and economic burdens, more so if the deceased spouse was on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). For widowed spouses, it is important to know the right steps to take in order to secure Social Security disability payments to aid in their financial livelihood post loss.
Eligibility for Disability Survivor Benefits
The benefits of being a widowed spouse on Social Security disability payment comes with its criteria which must be satisfied to be eligible: the deceased spouse must have been on or entitled to SSDI benefits at the time of death, the surviving spouse must be at least 60 years old (or 50 if disabled), and the marriage must be of 9 months duration, with exceptions for accidental or military deaths. In scenarios where surviving spouses take care of the deceased’s children under the age of 16 (or disabled), benefits are viable at any age. Moreover, remarriage prior to 60 years old (or 50 if disabled) may remove eligibility, however, post these ages, remarriage does not impact benefits.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Criteria | Deceased spouse on or entitled to SSDI; surviving spouse ≥60 (or ≥50 if disabled); 9-month marriage (exceptions for accidental/military deaths); caring for child under 16 or disabled allows any age eligibility; remarriage under age limits may remove eligibility |
| Benefit Calculation | Partial benefits for ages 60 to full retirement age; full benefits at retirement age; disabled widows 50-59 get specific amounts; benefits increase if caring for child under 16 or disabled; cannot receive both survivor and own disability benefits concurrently |
| Application Requirements | Notify SSA promptly; submit death certificate, marriage certificate, Social Security cards, birth certificates, bank details; early application recommended; medical assessment may be required for non-disabled surviving spouses; professional/legal help advised |
How Benefits Are Calculated and Received
Applicants above the age of 60, but not yet at full retirement age, will access a capped percentage of the total benefit. Full retirement age will prompt access to the total benefit, while disabled widows and widowers between the ages of 50 to 59 may access specific amounts. Benefits can also increase for surviving spouses who are caring for children under the age of 16 or disabled children. Social Security prohibits the concurrent payment of a survivor’s benefit and the survivor’s own disability benefit; the payment is capped at the higher of the two amounts.
Applying for Survivor Benefits
For one to qualify for Social Security survivor disability benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) must be notified promptly, with necessary documents such as the death certificate, marriage certificate, Social Security cards for both spouses, birth certificates, and bank details for direct deposit. Benefits are easier to access with early application and the provision of all documentation. In the case of surviving spouses that are not classified as disabled, there is a possibility of needing to be medically assessed, to qualify for disability survivor benefits. Professional or legal advisors are trained to assist with navigating application processes and can greatly simplify the work.