The rules governing when a disabled widow can remarry and keep her Social Security disability benefits are somewhat complex. Knowing what your rights are can make a huge difference in what benefits Social Security will pay.
DWIB Basics
First, the basics. A person whose spouse has died can collect disabled widow’s insurance benefits (DWIB) under specific circumstances. First, the widow must be at least 50 years old. Second, said widow must have become disabled within 7 years of the death of her spouse. If both of these are true, the widow can collect DWIB. This means that the widow can collect on her late spouse’s earnings record.
Two Requirements
If a widow collecting DWIB wants to remarry and keep getting DWIB benefits, two things must be true. First, the marriage must occur after the widow turns 50 but before she turns 60. Second, the widow must be disabled as of the date of her marriage. If the widow is over 60, the rules are simpler. Social Security will simply disregard the new marriage after the widow turns 60.
Plan Carefully
If you are a disabled widow and thinking of walking down the aisle, make sure you are aware of the rules that affect your Social Security disability benefits. Finding new love and a new life partner after the death of a spouse should be a wonderful and joyous moment. Don’t let the arcane rules of Social Security disability dampen your big day.
Check The Rules Before Your Wedding
The full set of rules may be found here. Remember that Social Security can change its rules at any time, so make sure to double-check that their current policy is before making any plans.
