Survivor Benefits
Understanding the Disabled Widow(er) Benefits Rules and Eligibility
Verified against SSA POMS as of September 11, 2026
The short answer
Disabled Widow(er) Benefits are available to disabled widow(er)s and surviving divorced spouses under age 60 but at least age 50. While it is not needed for payment of benefits, disability can be established after attainment of age 60 for entitlement to Medicare prior to age 65. Effective January 1984, benefits are reduced by 28.5% for eligibility before age 60. Prior to this, an additional reduction of 43/240 of 1% per month was applied for months before age 60. Remarriage after age 50 does not affect entitlement if the widow(er) was disabled at the time of remarriage.
Eligibility Criteria for Disabled Widow(er) Benefits
To qualify for Disabled Widow(er)'s Benefits (DWB), the individual must be at least age 50 but not yet 60, and meet the disability requirements as defined for disabled workers. The disability must begin within seven years of the deceased spouse's death or last entitlement based on the deceased spouse's earnings record. Furthermore, a waiting period of five full calendar months is required unless the individual was previously entitled to disabled widow(er)'s benefits. After reaching age 60, a disability determination can still be made to establish entitlement to Medicare before age 65.
HBK 0513 View source ›Reduction of Benefits for Disabled Widow(er) at Age 50-59
DWB are subject to a reduction of 28.5% because entitlement occurs before reaching full retirement age. The reduction rate for months before reaching age 60 was repealed effective January 1984, meaning benefits for DWBs are deemed as if the widow(er) is age 60 and thus do not include further reductions for entitlement before age 60. (RS 00615.310)
RS 00615.310 View source ›Impact of Remarriage on Disabled Widow(er) Benefits
For remarriages occurring after the claimant attains age 50, marriage will not impact eligibility if the claimant was disabled at the time of the remarriage. Furthermore, benefits for a disabled widow(er) will not be terminated upon remarriage if this happens after attaining age 50. For periods before January 1984, remarriage could affect entitlement unless criteria are met. (RS 00207.003)
RS 00207.003 View source ›Frequently asked
At what age can I apply for Disabled Widow(er) Benefits?
You can apply for Disabled Widow(er) Benefits if you are between the ages of 50 and 59. Additionally, you may apply between the ages of 60 and 65 to establish entitlement to Medicare prior to age 65.
How does remarriage affect my Disabled Widow(er) Benefits?
If you remarry after age 50 and are disabled, your Disabled Widow(er) Benefits will not be affected.
How much will my Disabled Widow(er) Benefits be reduced?
Disabled Widow(er)'s Benefits are generally reduced by 28.5% for entitlement before reaching 60 years of age, as of January 1984.
Is there a waiting period for Disabled Widow(er) Benefits?
Yes, there is a five-month waiting period unless you were previously entitled to Disabled Widow(er)'s Benefits.
Do I need to meet the disability definition for benefits?
Yes, you must meet the definition of disability as laid out for disabled workers to qualify for Disabled Widow(er) Benefits.