Social Security Disabled Widow(er)'s Insurance Benefits are paid to the disabled widow(er) of a deceased worker who earned enough Social Security credits.

To qualify, you must:

• Be at least age 50 but under 60.
• Have been married to your spouse at least nine months before their date of death, unless an exception applies.
• Be unmarried, unless the marriage can be disregarded
• Get a lower Social Security retirement benefit based on your own work.

Learn more on the Survivors Planner: If You Are The Worker’s Widow or Widower page.

Visit the Information You Need to Apply for Widow’s, Widower’s, or Surviving Divorced Spouse’s Benefits – Form SSA-10 page for details on how to apply.

To find out what other Social Security Administration (SSA) benefits you may qualify for, use the SSA Benefit Eligibility Screening Tool (BEST) on Benefits.gov.

Once you complete the questionnaire, you get a list of benefits you may qualify for. Print this page for your records before going to the application site.

When you know which benefits you can apply for, click Apply for Social Security Benefits to apply online.

You can also call to learn more about SSA benefits and get application information.

• 1-800-772-1213
• TTY 1-800-325-0778