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Can disabled widows who have been out of the workforce for a long time qualify for Social Security disability benefits?
The Social Security Administration pays disability benefits under two separate provisions of the Social Security Act – Title II (Old-Age, Survivors, and Disability Insurance, or “SSDI”), and Title XVII (Supplemental Security Income, or “SSI”). Disabled widows who have not worked outside the home in recent years often do not qualify for benefits under Title II disability benefits because they do not have enough credits on their work record. They may, however, qualify for Title II Disabled Widow’s Benefits based on their deceased spouse’s work record if they:
- Are over age 50; and
- Became disabled within 7 years after their spouse died (or within 7 years after they last received mother’s or father’s benefits from Social Security)
Note that disabled widows that don’t qualify for SSDI or Disabled Widow’s benefits may still be entitled to SSI benefits if they have limited income and resources.