SSDI

[lw87221991]

I am on SSDI an my spouse is on SSDI. He has liver cancer. When he passes away, how will SSDI work?

[GailL1]

@lw87221991 - Sorry you and your husband are having to go thru this - 

Upon the passing of your husband - hope that is a long time off - but here is the info - 

1.  You will file with Social Security for your 1X Death Benefit - some people call it the Burial Benefit - anyway it is a one time check for $ 255 (currently)

2.  Since you are disabled under the Social Security System with SSDI, your age when your husband passes and how much each of your are getting from your different SS benefits - both SSDI - is important.

3.  SSDI benefits are your FULL benefits at your full retirement age no matter how old you were when you became disabled.  Same for you on your record and same for your husband on his record.

4.  When your husband passes, you will be entitled to a Survivors Benefit - now whether or not that is to your advantage to take depends on the amount he was getting and the amount you are getting and how old you are at the time of the occurance.  As the Surviving Spouse, you will get the bigger benefit amount - yours or your deceased husband - not added together.  But you will need to be at least 50 years old (because you are disabled) to get his benefit or any age if you are taking care of a dependent (or disabled) child.  If you were not disabled the age would have to be older - 60 years old for reduced benefits - full benefits at your Full Retirement Age.  But since you are getting SSDI, you just have to be 50.

5. If you are not yet 50 years old, you can keep getting your own SSDI until you reach 50 so as to get his whole benefits as long as it is larger than your own SSDI benefit.

6.  Going to your local SS office is probably gonna be best but you don;t have to go in person (read the bottom link).  IF you go to the SSA office,  (see the last link for details on what to take) you can take all the info you need to file - your ID, your marriage license, his death certificate.  However you can also do it online (link below)

Here are some SSA.gov links for you.

SSA.gov SURVIVORS BENEFITS - Social Security Pamphlet 

SSA.gov - SURVIVORS BENEFITS

SSA.gov - Survivors Benefits 

SSA,gov - FORM - SSA-10. Info you Need to File for Survivors benefits This one has the form embedded link 

I think that is pretty much what will happen.  But if you have more questions post them here.