Widows benefits and Social Security disability benefits are both monthly federal benefits administered by the Social Security Administration (SSA) and based on work credits accrued. However, there are significant differences between the two. First, widows benefits are based on the deceased spouse’s work record, not the recipient’s.
Second, disability benefits can be awarded at any age, but are only available to workers who meet the SSA’s definition of “disabled.” Widows benefits, with certain exceptions, are only available to people who have reached a certain age.
Widows benefits are a type of survivor benefits. Though you may hear these terms used interchangeably with “death benefits.” Social Security does offer a death benefit, but it is a small, one-time payment that is separate from these monthly benefits.
Widows Benefits
Widows benefits, technically known as survivors’ benefits, are available to certain dependents of a deceased worker who earned Social Security benefits. The widow or widower of a qualified worker is entitled to Social Security survivors’ benefits if certain qualifications are met:
Widows Benefits Age Requirements
In most circumstances, the surviving spouse of a deceased worker may receive widows’ benefits only if:
The surviving spouse has reached full retirement age (reduced benefits are available at age 60), or
The surviving spouse is at least 50 and has a disability
The age requirements above do not apply if:
The surviving spouse is caring for a child or children of the deceased who are under the age of 16 and receiving Social Security benefits, or
The surviving spouse is caring for a child of the deceased who is disabled and receiving Social Security benefits
Other Social Security Rules for Widows
A divorced spouse of a deceased worker may qualify for benefits under the same conditions if the marriage lasted at least 10 years. The 10-year requirement is not imposed if the former spouse is caring for children of the deceased as described above. However, remarriage may disqualify a former spouse from survivor benefits. Generally, a former spouse who remarries after turning 60 remains eligible.
However, a former spouse who remarries younger may or may not be eligible for Social Security benefits, depending on:
The type of benefits in question
Whether the former spouse is disabled
Whether the former spouse remarried before age 50
Whether the later marriage has ended
An experienced Social Security benefits advocate can help you determine which types of benefits you may be entitled to in your specific circumstances.
Social Security Disability Benefits
SSDI benefits are payable to qualified workers who are unable to engage in substantial gainful activity due to a disability that is expected to last at least one year or be fatal. To qualify for SSDI, you must have accumulated a sufficient number of work credits, including a certain number of recent credits. The exact number depends on your age when you became disabled.
SSDI Widow Eligibility Requirements
Unlike retirement benefits and survivor benefits, SSDI benefits are awarded only on your own work record. That means Social Security disability eligibility requirements for a widow are the same as they would be for anyone else.
The applicant must meet technical requirements, such as having accrued sufficient work credits to qualify for disability benefits. And, they must meet the SSA’s definition of disability based on a condition or conditions that have lasted or are expected to last for at least 12 months. There are multiple steps in the disability determination process. First, the SSA will look to see whether the person is earning enough money to be considered engaged in substantial gainful activity. Note, though, that survivor benefits do not count toward SSDI income limits. The SSA will be looking only at income earned through work or self-employment.
If they are not, the next step is to consider whether they meet or equal a listing in the Social Security blue book. If they do not, the SSA uses a more holistic analysis to determine whether they might still be considered disabled.
Can You Get Both SSDI and Widows Benefits?
You may qualify for both disability benefits and widows benefits. But, you can’t get the full amount of both benefits. Instead, your monthly benefit will be capped at the higher of the two amounts. Here’s an example of how that might play out.
SSDI and the Death of a Spouse
Imagine that you are receiving $1,350/month in Social Security disability benefits when your spouse passes away. Since you are disabled, you become qualified for survivor benefits if you are at least 50 years old. You may also qualify if you are younger than 50 but caring for your deceased spouse’s child.
Say you qualify for $1,900/month in survivor benefits. You won’t receive the full amount of each benefit, and the survivor benefits won’t replace the lower SSDI benefit.. Instead, you will continue to receive your $1,350 in disability benefits and will receive an additional $550/month in widows benefits to bring you up to the amount of the higher benefit.
Need Help Getting Social Security Disability Benefits?
SSDI benefits provide a crucial source of support for workers who become disabled. But, unfortunately, most claims are initially denied. Too often, applicants get discouraged and miss out on benefits they’ve earned through years of hard work and paying in premiums through payroll taxes.
At Disability Help Group, we have deep knowledge of the rules that govern the SSDI application process and the type of evidence necessary to submit the strongest possible application. Working with an experienced disability benefits advocate from the beginning can help avoid common missteps that can delay your claim or lead to denial.
If you’ve already applied and been denied, we can still help. Our advocates will assess the denial letter you received and other information to determine what went wrong and what additional information or documentation will most strengthen your case on appeal. To learn more, contact us here or call (800) 800-3332.
How to Prepare for Your Social Security Disability (SSD) Hearing
By Erica S. Chitwood, Senior Disability Advocate
If you’ve applied for Social Security Disability benefits (SSDI or SSI) and received two denials, your next step is likely a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ), a critical stage in your disability claim. With only 16% of claims approved at the reconsideration stage (SSA 2024), it’s more important than ever to understand and prepare for this hearing.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know about the Social Security Disability hearing process, who will be involved, what to expect, and how to prepare for success.
What Is a Social Security Disability (SSD) Hearing?
A Social Security Disability (SSD) hearing is an administrative proceeding overseen by an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). You and your disability advocate or attorney will present evidence that supports your inability to work. While less formal than a traditional courtroom, this is still a legal proceeding, and your testimony and behavior matter.
Hearings can happen in three different ways:
Telephone
Video (via Microsoft Teams)
In-person at your local Office of Hearings Operations
Hearings typically last 30–60 minutes and are audio recorded.
Who Will Be at the Hearing?
Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) – Decides your case.
You – The claimant.
Your attorney or advocate – Prepares and presents your case.
Vocational Expert (VE) – Provides insight on job availability.
Medical Expert (ME) – Discusses your medical condition, if needed.
Court Reporter – Records the hearing.
What Happens at a Social Security Disability (SSD) Hearing?
1. Introduction & Oaths: The ALJ introduces the participants and explains the rules. You, any experts, and witnesses will be sworn in.
2. Opening Statement: Your advocate will outline your medical conditions and why they meet SSA’s legal criteria for disability.
3. Direct Examination: You’ll be asked questions about your medical conditions, symptoms, limitations, and daily life.
Examples of questions include:
What symptoms do you experience daily?
How far can you walk? How long can you sit or stand?
What treatments have you tried?
How do your conditions affect your ability to do housework, shop, or manage money?
Pro Tip: Give specific, measurable answers, e.g., “I can stand for 10 minutes,” not “I can’t stand long.”
4. Expert Testimony: The Vocational Expert (VE) will assess whether you can perform any work based on your limitations. A Medical Expert (ME) may testify if the judge needs more clarity on your condition.
5. Cross Examination: Your representative can challenge the VE’s or ME’s testimony, especially if it overlooks important limitations or medical facts.
6. Closing Statement: Your representative summarizes your case, highlighting how your condition meets the SSA’s definition of disability.
How to Prepare for Your Disability Hearing
Preparation is key. Here’s how to get ready:
Review your work history: Be able to describe your past jobs and physical/mental demands.
Know your top 3–5 medical conditions: Be ready to explain how each one limits your ability to work.
Diagram your limitations: Writing out your symptoms and how they affect you helps with memory and clarity.
Practice your testimony: Use a mirror or video call to simulate the hearing. Speak clearly and with confidence.
Gather last-minute medical evidence: Submit all documents at least 5 business days before your hearing.
Do a mock hearing with your representative. At Disability Help Group, we schedule these practice sessions with every client to boost comfort and confidence.
Day of the Hearing: What to Remember
Be early (or logged in 30 minutes before if remote)
Dress appropriately
Be in a quiet, private setting with good internet or phone signal
Speak clearly, directly, and respectfully
Address the judge as “Your Honor”
Own your testimony, you know your condition better than anyone else
After the hearing, expect a written decision within 3 weeks to 3 months.
The SSD hearing is a crucial moment in your claim. With preparation and proper representation, you can improve your odds of approval. At Disability Help Group, we help clients through every step, including mock hearings, documentation, and a hearing day strategy.
Need help preparing for your hearing? Call us at (800) 800-3332 for a FREE consultation with one of our experienced advocates or click here to fill out our contact form now.
This article was written and fact-checked by Erica S. Chitwood, Senior Disability Advocate. The content is based on current SSA guidelines and years of direct experience representing disability claimants at hearings.
U.S military disabled veterans who have been rated 100% Permanent and Total (P&T) disabled by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may qualify for expedited processing of their Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) claims. This initiative by the Social Security Administration (SSA) helps ensure that fully disabled veterans don’t wait longer than necessary for critical benefits.
What Does Expedited Processing Mean?
When a veteran is confirmed as 100% P&T by the VA, SSA places their SSDI claim into a priority queue, reducing wait times significantly. While regular disability claims may take many months to process, expedited cases can be reviewed and decided much faster, sometimes in just weeks.
Important Clarification: Faster Does Not Mean Guaranteed Approval
It’s essential to understand that receiving a 100% P&T rating from the VA does not automatically mean the veteran will be approved for SSDI. The SSA has its own rules and definition of disability. However, that VA rating does flag the claim for faster processing, helping veterans get to a decision stage more quickly.
What About Wounded Warrior Status?
Veterans who became disabled while on active duty on or after October 1, 2001 may also qualify under SSA’s Wounded Warrior program. This program also offers expedited claim processing, regardless of whether the veteran has a 100% P&T rating.
We Help Veterans Navigate the Process
At Disability Help Group, we work closely with veterans who have been rated 100% P&T to help ensure their SSDI claims are processed as quickly and smoothly as possible. Our advocates are trained to identify eligible cases and provide the support needed to move your claim forward.
If you’re a veteran or assisting one who has questions about expedited SSDI processing or general disability benefits, we’re here to help. Call us today for a FREE consultation at (800) 800-3332 or click here to fill out our contact form. Let our experienced advocates help with your claim.
This article was written and fact-checked by Scott Layden, a Senior Disability Advocate with deep experience handling SSDI claims. This information is based on current SSA policy and hands-on casework.
One of the most common questions we hear is: “What’s the difference between SSI and SSD?”
While both programs fall under the umbrella of Social Security disability benefits, they serve very different purposes and have different eligibility requirements. Understanding the key distinctions can help you or a loved one determine the right path to financial support.
What Is SSI?
SSI (Supplemental Security Income) is a needs-based program. That means your eligibility depends largely on your household income and assets, not just your own, but that of anyone living in your home.
To qualify for SSI:
You must be disabled.
You cannot own more than one house and one car.
You cannot have more than $2,000 in a bank account.
You cannot have assets that can be easily converted to cash (like insurance policies or tools).
Importantly, SSI benefits cannot be paid for any time before your application date. And if you’re eligible for any other type of payment, early retirement, insurance payouts, etc., you must apply for those as well.
What Is SSD (SSDI)?
SSD (also referred to as SSDI or Social Security Disability Insurance) is based on your work history. If you paid into Social Security through your job, you earned credits (up to 4 per year).
To be eligible:
You must have earned enough work credits. (You need 20 out of 40 quarters of coverage to be insured.)
You must prove you became disabled before your credits expired (this is called your Date Last Insured).
You must have worked and paid in to social security at least five of the last ten years before your disability began
SSD benefits can be paid retroactively for up to one year before your application date, but you won’t receive payments for the first five months of your disability. Your SSD amount is based on how much you paid into Social Security over your working years.
Additional Key Points
If you’re approved for even $1 of SSI, you’re automatically eligible for Medicaid.
SSD recipients become eligible for Medicare after 29 months (a 5-month waiting period plus 2 years).
The maximum SSI benefit in 2025 is $967 per month.
If you qualify for both SSD and SSI, you’ll receive the higher of the two benefits, not both combined.
SSI is impacted by all sources of income, including inheritances, lottery winnings, and even the sale of personal items.
If you try to “spend down” assets below market value to qualify for SSI, it may result in a delay penalty.
When applying for both programs, SSI is processed first, and Social Security will contact you directly to review your income and resources.
Need Help Navigating the Disability Process?
Understanding your eligibility and maximizing your benefits can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in. The advocates at Disability Help Group are here to guide you through every step of the process and help ensure you receive the benefits you deserve.
Call us today for a FREE consultation at (800) 800-3332 or click here to fill out our contact form. We’re here to help!
This article was written and fact-checked by Jennifer Walker, a Senior Disability Advocate with extensive experience in Social Security disability. All information reflects current SSA guidelines and real-world case knowledge to help you better understand your rights and options.
I Was Wrongfully Denied Disability: What Should I Do?
If you have been denied Social Security Disability Benefits (SSDI) and believe you should have been eligible, you are far from alone. More than 60% of Social Security Disability claims are initially denied. Many people who are initially denied disability benefits ultimately win benefits on appeal. However, that requires prompt action after you receive a denial notice.
Too many people miss their window to request reconsideration or request a hearing before an administrative law judge (ALJ). Most people who miss their opportunity to appeal can apply for disability benefits again. However, when that happens, you lose back benefits, potentially thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. And, depending on when you last worked and when you became disabled, you could lose eligibility entirely.
First Steps After You’ve Been Denied Disability
The first thing you should do when you’ve been denied disability is to check the deadline for requesting reconsideration. Reconsideration is the first level of appeal in the Social Security system.
Next, you will need to understand the reason you were denied disability. There are two different broad types of Social Security Disability Benefits denials. The first is a technical denial, and the second is a medical denial. Your options and next steps after you’ve been denied disability will differ depending on which type of denial you have received.
Technical Denials of Social Security Disability Benefits
When most people think about being denied disability, they are focused on the Social Security Administration’s (SSA’s) determination as to whether or not they are disabled. However, there are other threshold issues to be determined before the SSA even looks to see whether or not a person is medically disabled.
Work Credits
A person can qualify for Social Security Disability Benefits only if they have accrued sufficient work credits. The number of work credits required to receive Social Security Disability Benefits varies depending on the applicant’s age at the time they became disabled. For most workers, 40 work credits are required. Of those, 20 must be “recent.” In this context, recent means within the 10 years leading up to the person becoming disabled.
You will often hear 40 work credits described as 10 years of work. However, it is actually a little more complicated than that. Social Security work credits are based on earnings, not the passage of time. While you can only earn four work credits per year, you don’t necessarily have to work the full year in order to earn four work credits. For example, in 2025 it takes $1,810 in earnings to equal one work credit. So, if you are earning $5,000 a month, you could accrue four work credits in less than 60 days. The Social Security Administration will not look to see how many weeks or months of the year you worked, but will look at your total earnings for the year.
If you truly don’t have sufficient work credits to qualify for Social Security Disability, you cannot change that. You will not be eligible for benefits. However, mistakes happen. If your notice says that you have been disqualified due to insufficient work credits, carefully review your record to see whether there may be work history that is not included in your record or there are incorrect dates associated with your past work.
Substantial Gainful Activity (SGA)
To meet the Social Security Administration’s definition of “disabled” you must be unable to engage in substantial gainful activity. This is assessed in more detail if you reach the medical stage of the analysis. However, as a threshold issue, the SSA will disqualify you from receiving disability benefits if you are currently earning in excess of the SGA cut off. That number changes each year. In 2025, the cutoff for substantial gainful activity is $1,620 a month. If you are blind, that number is increased to $2,700 per month.
If you were earning more than the SGA cut off at the time you applied for Social Security disability but are no longer earning at that level, your income is sporadic or short-term, or your medical condition is worsening and you will be unable to sustain that work, you should speak to an experienced Social Security Disability Benefits advocate about how to proceed.
Medical Denials
Being medically denied disability is more complicated. The SSA takes two different approaches to determining whether you are medically considered disabled. The first is to assess whether your medical condition meets or equals a listing in the Social Security Blue Book. If you meet the criteria for a Blue Book listing, you will typically be determined to be disabled.
If you do not meet a Blue Book listing, you may still qualify. The SSA will take a more holistic approach that considers your work history, age, educational level and transferability of past job skills. If the SSA determines that you are unable to return to your previous work and it is not realistic for you to transfer your skills to another profession or retrain for different work, you may still be deemed disabled even though you did not meet a Blue Book listing.
Common Mistakes After You’ve Been Denied Disability
As mentioned above, the biggest mistake people make after being denied disability is not acting within the time frame allowed to request reconsideration or request a hearing before an administrative law judge. Another common mistake is to pass up the opportunity to provide supplemental information or explanation that could make a difference in your claim.
For example, when you file a request for reconsideration, you are not required to provide any additional information. In reconsideration, a different person at the Social Security Administration will review your claim from scratch. However, you do have the opportunity to provide supplemental medical records and other updates that could strengthen your claim. You don’t want to waste that opportunity.
Another mistake that impacts many people’s Social Security disability appeals is trying to handle the appeal on their own. An experienced Social Security disability benefits advocate can help you understand why you were denied disability and can put their experience to work helping you assemble the type of information the SSA will be looking for.
To learn more about how an experienced Social Security disability benefits advocate at Disability Help Group can help you submit the strongest possible request for reconsideration or appeal, call us today at 800-800-3332 or fill out our contact form here.
