My husband died last year and he was much older than me (20 years). I'm only 52 years old, have not worked in years, cannot find a job at this time (I have no skills and am uneducated), and cannot pay my utilities. I have no car. My water has been turned off and the Electric Company is threatening to shut me off next week. My neighbor is writing this for me as I have no computer. Despite my age, is there a way I can collect a portion of his Social Security?

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

The only way that you could potentially qualify for survivor benefits prior to age 60 is if you're disabled, or if you have a child in your care who is under age 16 or disabled and who qualifies for child or disabled adult child's benefits. If you believe that you might be considered disabled, you can make an appointment to apply for disabled widow's benefits by calling Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.

Best, Jerry