Good morning,

I'm very sorry for your loss.

While you absolutely will be entitled to survivor benefits, under the rules of Social Security, you will not be eligible to make your survivor claim until you reach the age of 60. There is one exception to this general rule, and if you can show that you are disabled, you may begin your claim benefits at age 50.

The fact that your husband's check included disability benefits for several months before his death does not impact on your eligibility for survivor benefits. I'm so sorry.

I wish you the best in 2012.

I understand that you may be disappointed by the Answer you received, as it was not particularly favorable to your situation. Had I been able to provide an Answer which might have given you a successful legal outcome, it would have been my pleasure to do so.

You may reply back to me using the Reply to Expert link if you have additional questions; and if you do, I ask that you please keep in mind that I do not know what you may already know or with what you need help, unless you tell me.

Kindly take a moment to rate my service to you based on the understanding of the law I provided. I have no control over the how the law impacts your particular situation, and I trust that you can understand how it would be unfair for me to be punished by a (negative rating) ----the first 2 stars/faces----for having been honest with you about the law.

Thank you,

Doug