How Does a Disabled Widow or Widower Become Entitled to Benefits?

Benefits may be payable to a widow or widower with a disability if the following conditions are met:

• The widow or widower is between ages 50 and 60;
• The widow or widower meets the definition of disability for adults; and
• The disability started before the worker’s death or within seven years after death.

Note: If a widow or widower is caring for the deceases’ children receives Social Security benefits, he or she is eligible if disability starts before those payments end or within seven years after they end.