I’m am 61 in March. I have been on disability for 10 years or more? My husband pass August 2017. He was still working when he passed. Am I elgable to receive benefits from him along with my disabilities check?Things r hard!

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

You could only qualify for additional benefits on your husband's record if his full benefit rate or primary insurance amount (PIA) was higher than your own Social Security disability benefit (SSDI) rate. And if it is, it would likely be advantageous for you to apply for widow's benefits as soon as possible. Even though your widow's rate would be initially reduced for age if you file now, the age reduction would be removed after you reach full retirement age (FRA) because your SSDI entitlement would have preceded your widow's benefit entitlement (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0300615350).

For example, say Jane is receiving an SSDI benefit rate of $1000. Jane's husband dies before filing for his benefits and his PIA is $2000. Jane's potential unreduced widow's benefit rate in this example would be $1000 (i.e. $2000 minus $1000), which would be reduced for age to $761 if Jane starts drawing at age 61. So, Jane could then be paid total benefits of $1761 (i.e. her own SSDI plus her reduced widow's rate). Then, effective with the month Jane reaches FRA her widow's rate would be increased to $1000, raising her total benefits to $2000.

If you haven't already done so, you should probably contact Social Security as soon as possible to see if you qualify for widow's benefits.

Best, Jerry