Can I claim widow benefits at 57 with health issues or must I go through SSDI process?

You're asking about Disabled Widow(er) Benefits (DWB), which is different from regular SSDI. Yes, you would still need to go through the disability determination process, but there are some important differences: 1. For DWB, you can qualify as early as age 50 (which you've passed) 2. You must be able to establish disability within 7 years of your husband's death or within 7 years of when you were last entitled to mother's/father's benefits 3. The disability standard is the same as regular SSDI - you must be unable to perform substantial gainful activity due to medical conditions expected to last at least 12 months or result in death The good news is that for DWB, you don't need the same work credits that regular SSDI requires - you're qualifying based on your deceased spouse's work record. I'd recommend applying as soon as possible if you can't continue working.

my sister went thru this. she lost her husban at 52 and couldnt work anymore becuase of her lungs. she had to do the whole disability thing with all the doctors and paperwork but they finally approved her like 8 months later. bascially same thing as reglar disability but you get ur husbands benefit insted of yours. good luck!

I went through something similar with my back problems (herniated discs, not stenosis). Have you tried getting epidural injections for the pain? My doctor did a series of 3 injections that gave me enough relief to keep working at least part-time. Just wondering if you've exhausted all medical options before taking the disability route - SS is VERY strict about approving disability claims and they'll want to see that you've tried everything possible first.

To directly answer your question - yes, you would need to go through the disability determination process, even for widow's benefits. The SSA doesn't waive the medical review just because you're a widow. However, there's an important strategy to consider in your case. If you apply for Disabled Widow Benefits, you could potentially preserve your own retirement benefit to let it grow until your Full Retirement Age (FRA) or even age 70. This is because taking disabled widow benefits doesn't force you to take your own reduced retirement benefit early. Given your 30+ years of work history, your own benefit might actually be higher than your widow benefit when you reach full retirement age. A successful DWB claim could give you income now while allowing your own benefit to grow.

Your asking for TROUBLE! My neighbor tried this and SS investigators actually followed her around taking pictures trying to prove she wasn't disabled!! They're VERY strict about disability claims and I heard they deny like 80% of everyone the first time. Just wait till 60 if you can. Not worth the stress.

I've been through the SS disability process and it was a NIGHTMARE trying to get anyone on the phone. I called literally 50+ times trying to check my application status and kept getting disconnected. Finally found this service called Claimyr that got me through to a real person at SSA in under 5 minutes. Total lifesaver. You can see how it works at https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU or just go to claimyr.com - it saved me weeks of frustration. For a complicated case like yours where you might need to ask specific questions about disabled widow benefits, it might be worth it.

APPLY FOR BOTH!!! Regular disability AND widow disability at the same time! That's what my financial advisor told me to do. Cover all your bases. Worst they can say is no.

Wait I'm confused...if you get approved for disability now, would that mean you get a different amount than if you waited until 60 for regular widow benefits? And does taking disability widow benefits now affect what you can get for retirement later? The whole Social Security system is so complicated!

Thank you all for the helpful responses! I've made an appointment with my doctor to get updated medical records and I'm going to start gathering all my documentation. I think I'll apply for both regular SSDI and the Disabled Widow Benefits as suggested. I'm still nervous about the whole process, but at least now I have a better understanding of my options. I'll definitely use that Claimyr service to speak with SSA directly about my specific situation. Will update when I have news about my application.

I'm so sorry you're dealing with these health challenges. As a newcomer to this community, I've been reading through similar situations and wanted to share what I've learned. The information about Disabled Widow(er) Benefits is really eye-opening - I had no idea this was even an option until reading these responses. One thing I'd suggest is also reaching out to your local Area Agency on Aging. They often have benefits counselors who can help navigate the Social Security system for free, and they might be able to review your situation before you apply to make sure you're taking the best approach. They're familiar with both the disability process and widow benefits, so they could give you personalized guidance. Also, given your pacemaker complications, have you considered whether that might qualify you for a Compassionate Allowance? Some cardiac conditions with devices can qualify for expedited processing. It might be worth asking about when you speak with SSA. Wishing you the best with this difficult situation. You're not alone in this process!