To be eligible for this benefit program, you must meet the following requirements:
- Be at least age 50, but not yet age 60.
- Have been married to the deceased spouse for not less than 9 months immediately prior to the day in which the deceased spouse died, unless an exception applies.
- Be unmarried, unless the marriage can be disregarded.
- Not be entitled to an equal or higher Social Security retirement benefit based on your own work.
Based on the information you gave us, you were married for less than 9 months to your deceased spouse. Usually, a person must be married for at least nine months before they can get benefits on a deceased spouse's record. However, there are exceptions to that rule. (For a list of exceptions, visit the Publications Page and review Section 401 of the Social Security Handbook.) You could get Social Security disabled widow's or widower's benefits if:
- You meet one of the exceptions.
- Your deceased spouse had enough work credits.
- You meet the medical rules for disability benefits.
- You are not getting a higher benefit on your own work record.
To find out more about how Social Security decides if you are disabled, visit SSA’s Publications Page select "Disability" under "Topics," and review Social Security Publication Number 05-10029.