My husband died 12 years ago at the age of 49--I was 44. He was fully covered with social security and so am I. I am currently 56, dealing with a workers comp injury, and have applied for ssdi. If I am awarded ssdi I understand I can draw the excess widow's benefits under my husband when I turn 60 since I have not and will not remarry. I also understand the earning limits with ssdi and widow's benefits. I want to know that once I turn 60 can I drop my ssdi, if awarded, and solely draw widow's benefits?

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

If you're awarded Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits you could potentially receive additional, or excess, widow's benefits starting at age 60. But, you could not voluntarily drop SSDI benefits when you reach age 60 and draw just widow's benefits instead. Nor would that likely be a good option for you even if it was possible.

When you claim widow's benefits at age 60, the benefit rate is reduced for age by 28.5%. But, if you're already receiving SSDI benefits when you start drawing excess widow's benefits, that reduction would be removed when you reach full retirement age (FRA). So, if you do qualify for SSDI and you would be eligible for additional widow's benefits when you reach age 60, it would probably be best to simply file for the additional widow's benefits at that time. You may want to strongly consider using our software to explore your options and determine your best strategy for claiming your benefits.

By the way, disabled widow's benefits (DWB) can be paid as early as age 50, but you must have become disabled within 7 years of your spouse's death to qualify for DWB unless you previously received child in care survivor benefits. It sounds like you became disabled more than 7 years after your husband's death, so unless you previously received child in care benefits age 60 is probably the soonest you could claim widow's benefits.

Best, Jerry