Before my wife past away 8 months ago she was in the process of filling for SSDI WHICH THEY DID A SUBSTITUTION OF PARTY TO ME THE JUDGE MADE A FULLY FAVOR ABLE DECISION I WAS TOLD I WILL RECEIVE A ONE TIME CHECK FOR ALL OF THE BACK PAY ? WE ARE BOTH 53 YRS OLD IM IN THE PROCESS OF FILING FOR MY SSDI , what all am I eligible to recieve. Thanks

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

It sounds like you're eligible for the back pay of Social Security disability (SSDI) was determined to be eligible for prior to her death. There is also a one-time $255 death benefit for which you could apply. And, if you're disabled you could also potentially qualify for ongoing disabled widower's benefits (DWB), but if you also qualify for SSDI benefits then you couldn't be paid both SSDI and DWB benefits in full.

If you qualify for both SSDI and DWB, Social Security would pay you at least your full SSDI benefit amount. If your DWB rate is higher than your SSDI rate, they'd also pay you a partial DWB benefit to bring your combined benefit rate up to the higher benefit rate.

When you file for SSDI you should check with Social Security to see if you might be eligible for any additional DWB benefits. You must meet the same medical disability standard in order to qualify for either benefit (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/disability/qualify.html#anchor3).

Best, Jerry