I currently receive Social Security Disability, since 2012. I was married to a disabled VET who passed away in 1986 I have never remarried. Would I be entitled to any of his vet benefits or Social Security benefits? I had never included his information when I applied for SSDI, it never occurred to me that I could or should.

Hi,

My only area of expertise is Social Security, so I can't tell you whether or not you would qualify for veteran's benefits. You'll probably need to check with the Veteran's Administration.

It sounds like you may qualify for Social Security widow's benefits, but only if your husband's Social Security primary insurance amount (PIA) is higher than your full disability (SSDI) rate. You also must be at least age 60 to qualify for widow's benefits, and if you start drawing widow's benefits before your full retirement age your widow's rate would be reduced for age. Social Security does offer disabled widow's benefits as early as age 50, but you must generally become disabled within 7 years of your spouse's death in order to potentially qualify for disabled widow's benefits.

You may want to check with Social Security to see if you could qualify for additional benefits on your husband's record. If so, your best option may be to delay starting those benefits until your full retirement age in order to receive an unreduced rate.

Best, Jerry