An Attorney Can Help you with Disabled Widow Benefits in Los Angeles CA
There is no way around it: Losing a spouse can be a devastating experience both financially and personally. For those that are disabled and were reliant on their deceased spouse for financial support, the impact of this loss will be even more severe. However, in some cases, the surviving spouse may be eligible to receive Social Security survivors benefits as a disabled widow.
Please read on to get general advice on the most common questions we get about disabled widow benefits in Los Angeles CA. Then contact us at 866-536-5788 to schedule a free consultation if you need help with this or other Social Security related issues.
Who is Eligible to Receive Disabled Widows Benefits in Los Angeles CA from Social Security?
The widow or widower of a person who worked long enough under Social Security to qualify for benefits. The number of work credits needed depends on the worker’s age when they die. The younger a person is, the fewer credits they must have. To receive benefits as a widow or widower, you must be at least 50 years old. Finally, the widow or widower’s disability must have started before or within seven years of the worker’s death.
When Do Disabled Widow Benefits in Los Angeles CA Begin?
There are no benefits paid during the month in which the spouse dies. If your spouse dies and receives disability or retirement benefits from Social Security, whether in the mail or in a joint checking account, you are required to return it to the Social Security Administration. The SSA must determine if you are eligible to receive disabled widow benefits in Los Angeles CA and if they determine that you are, then the payments must be made directly to you. When your benefits begin as a disabled widow depends on when Social Security finds you to be disabled as defined under their rules and regulations.
Social Security also pays a one-time payment of $255 if you were living with your spouse at the time of their death. Generally, the lump-sum is paid to the surviving spouse who was living in the same household as the worker when they died.
How Do I Apply for Disabled Widow Benefits in Los Angeles CA?
You will need to either visit or call your local Social Security office. They will require several pieces of evidence to get the survivor’s benefits started. This includes but is not limited to:
- Death certificate or notice from the funeral home
- Your social security number
- Your spouse’s social security number
- Your marriage certificate
How Do I Get Help with Disabled Widow Benefits in Los Angeles CA?
It is best to work with a disabled widow benefits attorney. When you choose The Law Offices of Larry H. Parker, you can count on our commitment to finding the best possible options for you. Call us now at 866-536-5788 and we can get started right away.
