Unfortunately, adults who live together but are not married are not eligible to receive payments on the basis of disabled person with whom he or she lives. But see the section on common-law marriage!
Benefits for Widows, Widowers, and Surviving Divorced Spouses
If you widow or widower is disabled, then he or she might be able to receive benefits as early as age 50 if his or her disability started before you death or within 7 years of you death.
Your widow or widower who has not remarried can receive survivors benefits at any age if she or he takes care of your child who is under age 16 or is disabled and receives benefits on your record.
See the sections on spouses for more detail.
We serve clients throughout the Carolinas from our offices in Spartanburg, Greenville, and Columbia.