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March 30, 2020
Category:
Am I Eligible For Any Help As A Widow?
My husband was on disability and passed away in October 2019 he was 55. I'm trying to find out how I can get help as his widow I wasn't able to work and care for him and I have dibilitating health issues and am going to apply for disability. I have no insurance or income. I am 54 all the research I have done I can't find anything that I can do to get assistance please let me know what I need to do
Hi,
I'm sorry for your loss.
Assuming that you don't have a child in your care, the only way you could qualify for widow's benefits prior to age 60 is if you're disabled according to Social Security's standards (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.05/handbook-0515.html). You can make an appointment to apply for disabled widow's benefits by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
Even if you aren't disabled, though, you would probably be eligible for a one-time death benefit of $255 (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0430.html). If you haven't already done so, you could make an appointment to file for that benefit by calling the number listed above.
Best, Jerry