News

What happens if my spouse is on Social Security Disability and I pass away?

September 15, 2022

By Shelley W. Elovitz. Esquire

If you have a disabled spouse, you may be concerned about their benefits should you pass away. Under the Social Security Administration, disabled spouses are eligible to collect the higher of your monthly benefit or their SSDI benefit, assuming they meet all the other requirements for a widower/widow’s benefit. A widow or widower can begin receiving benefits as early as age 50 if they have a disability and the disability started before or within 7 years of the date of your death.

A one-time lump-sum death payment of $255 can be paid to the surviving spouse if they were living with the deceased.

When your spouse reaches full retirement age, they will convert to regular Social Security benefits but the amount will stay the same.

If you have questions regarding your Social Security Disability and live in Pennsylvania, contact us online or call (412) 338-1152.