Social Security Disability Lawyers Discuss Benefits That May Be Available After Losing a Spouse

The financial struggles that accompany the loss of a spouse can be immense, especially if you’re considered disabled. That’s why our Social Security Disability lawyers at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin want to let you know about options that might be available to offer assistance.

The Social Security Administration funds a program called Supplemental Security Income that provides financial aid to citizens of the United States who are disabled and have limited resources for income. To qualify, one must be a U.S citizen or qualifying alien and be over age 65, blind, or suffer from another disabling condition.

If you’re at least 62-years-old, divorced or widowed from a U.S. citizen who was entitled to Social Security Disability or retirement benefits, and have not remarried, you may be able to receive part of your former spouse’s benefits. It’s important to remember though, that you must have been married to your former spouse for at least a decade in order to be able to collect their benefits. If you’re applying for your ex-spouse’s benefits and they haven’t retired yet, you must has been divorced for at least two years before you are eligible to collect their benefits.

Determining the best course of action with Social Security Disability benefits can be complicated, which is why our attorneys at Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin suggest using the Social Security Administration’s Benefits Planner to help determine you maximum benefit under different scenarios. If you still have questions, you may want to seek the guidance of legal counsel.

We hope this information helps you get the benefits you deserve!