Social Security allows a widow at age fifty to receive benefits off of their spouse’s record if they meet the disability criteria for payment. Here is what you need to know about qualifying for disabled windows benefits.

If you are a widow that was married to your spouse when the passed away or you were divorced but married for at least ten years, you may be eligible for disabled widows benefits. A disabled widow receives payment from their deceased spouse’s record; if you are not eligible for disability benefits on your own work record you can still qualify for a disabled widow benefit from your spouse.

To meet the disability requirements for Social Security you will need to have a condition expected to last for 12 months or longer that prevents you from working. When you apply for disabled widows benefits you will need your birth certificate for proof of citizenship, your marriage certificate or divorce decree for proof of relationship, and your spouse’s death certificate. After Social Security takes your disabled widow claim they will transfer your case to your State’s Disability Determination Agency for evaluation. The State typically takes 120 days to evaluate your disability.

If the State approves your disability, your case will be transferred back to Social Security and sent to a regional payment center for payment. It takes Social Security 30 to 60 days at the payment center before you will start receiving your payments. To learn more about disability benefits visit the website “Social Security Laid Bare” using the links below.