Can a widow or widower get disability benefits off of the spouse’s record?

When a worker entitled to Social Security benefits dies, the surviving spouse, age 60 or older, may qualify for survivor benefits. A surviving spouse, age 50 or older, may qualify only if disabled. To be entitled to a widow’s or widower’s benefit as a disabled widow or widower, the law provides that you must have a medically determinable physical or mental impairment which can be expected to result in death or has lasted or can be expected to last for a continuous period of not less than twelve months. The impairments must be of a level of severity to prevent a person from doing any gainful activity. There are other benefits which may be available to the surviving spouse and dependent children. To get help with these types of benefits, contact the Administration at 1-800-772-1213. You might need an attorney’s help with benefits, especially if they involve the issue of disability. If you live in North or South Carolina, you can call our firm at 864-582-7882 or click here to e-mail us.