When can my wife collect my Social Security disability benefits if I die?

Full question:

I am a disabled person , (100%)I have a wife of 7 almost 8 years. If I died tomorrow when would she be able to collect my benefit or % of my social security disability benefit.

• Category: Social Security
• Date: 04/07/2025
• State: Utah

Answer:

The timing for your wife to collect your Social Security disability benefits depends on several factors, including her age and whether she receives a pension. If you have paid into Social Security as a worker, she may be eligible for survivor benefits from your record. If you have never worked, she cannot collect benefits from your record.

Survivor benefits are based on the Social Security taxes you paid. If your wife is eligible, she can start receiving benefits as early as age sixty. However, if she is under sixty, she may need to wait until she reaches that age.

If your wife receives a pension from a federal, state, or local government based on work where she did not pay Social Security taxes, her Social Security benefits may be reduced. Specifically, two-thirds of her government pension will be deducted from her Social Security benefits. For example, if she is eligible for a $500 widow's benefit but has a $600 pension, she would receive only $100 from Social Security ($500 - $400 = $100).

For more information, you can contact the Social Security Administration at or visit their website. Users can search for state-specific legal templates at .