Ask Larry

Is It Right That Social Security Is Stopping My Widow's Benefits Because I Was Approved For Disability?

I just was approved for disability, but they're stopping my widows benefits altogether. I am 60 yes old. Is this right? Thank you.

Hi,

The answer to that depends on the comparative benefit rates involved. You can't be paid more than one full Social Security benefit type at the same time. If you file for more than one type of Social Security benefit, you can basically only collect the higher of the two rates. Therefore, if you're already drawing widow's benefits and you subsequently become entitled to a higher Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits, then your widow's benefits would stop being paid. But, if your SSDI rate was lower than your widow's rate you'd be paid your SSDI benefit plus a partial widow's benefit. The two benefits would then add up to your higher widow's benefit rate.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Jun 22 2020 - 10:47am
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