Ask Larry

I'm disabled and I'm collecting I'm 51 sand my husband is 62 and he is collect social securty retirement can I collect sposeal benefits now or do I have to wait til he passes away

Hi,

Unless you have a child in your care who's eligible for benefits on your husband's record, the earliest that you could potentially qualify for spousal benefits is at age 62 (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.03/handbook-0305.html). Being disabled doesn't have any bearing on spousal benefit eligibility. If your husband dies, though, you could potentially be eligible for disabled widow's benefits immediately since you're already over age 50.

Best, Jerry