2 comments about “Introduction”

• John Graden says:

  August 31, 2024 at 3:39 AM

  My wife has been dead for a few years now and I didn’t know that I could correct disability from her death

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  • Sharon Kleczka says:

    September 3, 2024 at 1:16 PM

    John

    You cannot collect disability on your deceased spouse’s benefit. However, you can collect a survivor benefit on your deceased spouse’s Social Security record if you are eligible.

    If you are disabled, you can collect a survivor benefit if your spouse’s benefit at her time of death is higher than your disability benefit, and you are at least 50 years old. If you meet this criterion your benefit on her record would only equal 71.5% of her benefit at her time of death. You would also be eligible for a $255, one-time lump sum death benefit, and you have to claim it within two years of her death.

    If you are not disabled, you become eligible for a survivor benefit at age 60, at which time you would only receive 71.5% of her benefit amount at the time of her death. If you have not yet started receiving your own Social Security benefits, you have the option to start either your benefit or her benefit first. If you are taking your own Social Security benefit, her benefit at her time of death would have to be higher than what you are currently receiving.

    You are also subject to an earnings limit until you reach your full retirement age (FRA). The earnings limit for 2024 is $22,230 if you are under your FRA. If this is the year your FRA, the earnings limit is increased to $59,520, and ends in the month you reach your FRA.

    If you feel you are eligible for a survivor benefit based on your deceased wife’s record, contact your local Social Security office to make an appointment to apply for it, in person or over the phone. You cannot apply online.

    You may contact us by emailing ssadvisor@amacfoundation.org or calling (888)750-2622.

    Sharon Kleczka, Social Security Advisor

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