I have been on disability for 5 years. My husband passed away several years years ago. I will be 66. Can I collect on any survivor benefits

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

If a person applies for more than one type of Social Security benefit (e.g. disability & widows), they can only be paid the higher of the two benefit rates. Therefore, you could only qualify for widow's benefits in addition to your own Social Security benefits if your widow's rate would be higher than the benefit rate you're being paid on your own record.

I have no way of knowing whether your widow's rate would be higher than your own rate, so you'll need to contact Social Security to find out if you're eligible. Since you're already drawing Social Security disability benefits, it would be advantageous for you to claim any additional widow's benefits that you'd qualify for as soon as possible.

Best, Jerry