Survivor Benefits For Widows

Widows of a deceased worker who either was disabled and receiving disability benefits or who was eligible for SSA retirement may receive a widow's benefit based on their deceased spouse's earnings record. If the widow is disabled, they can receive their widow's benefit as soon as they turn 50 years of age. If they are not disabled, they can receive a reduced window's benefit by age 60.

Widow's benefits are also paid to widows or widowers of any age if they are caring for a child who is less than 16 years of age or a child of any age who is disabled (earning SSDI benefits based on the earnings record of the deceased spouse).