Baltimore Social Security Disability Lawyers: Benefits for Widowed Spouse

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Baltimore Social Security Disability Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Help Widowed Spouses Obtain BenefitsLosing a spouse, whether from an illness, an accident, or any other cause can be devastating. If you suffer from a disability, the loss can have serious financial consequences in addition to the emotional heartache of losing a partner. You may have questions and concerns about how you are going to survive financially without your spouse’s income. Fortunately, if your spouse was insured for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) when he or she died, you may be eligible to collect Disabled Widow’s/Widower’s Benefits, also called survivor benefits, on his or her earnings records. This financial relief can provide much needed peace of mind during this difficult time.

In order to be eligible for survivor benefits, you must meet the following requirements:

  • Must be over the age of 50
  • Must have a medical condition that prevents you from being able to work and is expected to last at least 12 months or result in death
  • The disability existed within seven years of the spouse’s death

When pursuing Disabled Widow’s Widower’s Benefits, it is important to keep in mind that no benefits will be paid for the month in which your spouse passed away. This gives the Social Security Administration (SSA) time to analyze the case and make a determination of your claim. If a check is mailed or directly deposited into the couple’s joint checking account, the check must be returned to the SSA. If the surviving spouse is deemed eligible, the SSA will transfer payments from the deceased to the surviving spouse. In addition, you will receive a one-time Widow/Widower Benefit payment if you and your spouse were living together at the time of death.

How to Apply for Widow/Widower’s Benefits

If you meet the qualifications listed above, you may apply for Widow/Widower’s Benefits so that you can begin to receive your deceased spouse’s Social Security disability benefits. You will need to either call or visit your local Social Security office after your spouse’s death. The application process cannot be completed online. You need to have the following documentation with you in order to obtain your deceased spouse’s benefits:

  • Your spouse’s death certificate, or an official death notice from the funeral home
  • Your spouse’s Social Security number, as well as your own
  • Your deceased spouse’s birth certificate
  • Your marriage certificate
  • Most recent tax forms

Once you have secured these benefits, it is important to understand that the amounts can change. When you reach the age of 62 to 70, the amount of Social Security disability benefits may change just as they would if they were being paid to your spouse if he or she were still alive. A representative from the Social Security Administration will determine the benefit level that you are likely to receive.

Baltimore Social Security Disability Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Help Widowed Spouses Obtain Benefits

If you recently lost your spouse and you suffer from a disability, you may be eligible to collect Widow/Widower’s Benefits on your deceased spouse’s record. Baltimore Social Security disability lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton understand how difficult the loss of a spouse can be, both emotionally and financially. Our experienced and compassionate team will ensure that you receive the maximum benefits to which you are entitled. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.

Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent clients in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.