I am currently on disability and I am 65 years old. Despite the fact we have gotten no increases in benefits that amount to nothing SS has told me when my disability changes to retirement the first 22 years I worked will not count towards my full retirement. They tell me my disability will be all that I receive. They also told me that I cannot collect any benefits for my wife who passed away at age 50 twelve years ago. I was told this by someone at SS. Is this really true? I would hope you can tell me otherwise. I would like to by your program but my 1260.00 a month does not allow me any luxuries. Please advise. Thank you

Hi,

Social Security disability benefits are essentially just your full retirement age benefit (PIA) paid early because you can no longer work. So, your past earnings are already being credited to you in the form of disability benefits. When you reach age 66, your disability benefits will convert to retirement benefits at the same rate. Had you not had those past earnings, you would not be eligible for Social Security disability or retirement benefits.

You could only be eligible for additional benefits from your deceased wife's record if her full retirement age benefit (PIA) is higher than your disability benefit. If Social Security checked this out and told you that you aren't eligible for widower's benefits, it's probably true. However, you can insist on filing an application for widower's benefits in order to receive a formal determination of your eligibility.

Best, Jerry