I am 56 and disabled since 2009. I receive 550.40 a month. 443.00 after they deduct for insurance. My husband passed this year. He was 79 and drew 773.60 per month. I now only receive 180.30 per month on my husband. Is this correct? We always thought it would be more. $623.30 a month is not enough to live on. We expected at least enough to pay utilities. Please tell me this is wrong.. what can I do to make sure I'm getting all I'm entitled to. Thank you

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

I really wish I could tell you that you that you are due a higher benefit rate, but it sounds like you're probably getting the right amount. If you become entitled to disabled widow's benefits (DWB) in addition to receiving disability benefits (SSDI) on your own record, your DWB benefit amount is calculated at 71.5% of the difference between your husband's full retirement age rate (PIA) and your own PIA (i.e. your full disability rate before any deductions).

From your description, there was about a $223 difference between your disability rate and the rate that your husband was receiving. 71.5% of that amount would be roughly $159, and you are apparently getting a DWB rate higher than that, likely meaning that your husband started taking his benefits before his full retirement age.

The only somewhat positive news that I can give you is that it sounds like your widow's rate should be recalculated after you reach your full retirement age of 67 to at least the rate that your husband would have been receiving at that time. That should raise your combined benefit rate by at least $43 or so, which I guess is better than nothing.

Best, Jerry