Social Security waiting period?

Question

My wife went into a coma and I applied for her social security for her since she is unable to. Yesterday I got a letter saying she gets it but that she wont get anything for 5 months.Is there anyway for her to get this help sooner as she has gotten worse ant there is a DNR in her file and she will most likely be dead before the 5 months are up I have allot of medical bills with this illness and need the help now not 5 months from now. And what may be involved in the survivor benifits??

Answer 1

I'm sorry about your wife. It sounds very difficult, and I'm sure that wading through all this benefits bureaucracy is not helpful.

There is no way to expedite the 5 month waiting period. SSA assumes you're utilizing other disability programs such as long-term disability. In some situations SSA will award someone SSI upder the "presumptive disability" clause during this time, but your wife would have to be financially eligible. As a couple you could not have more than $3,000 in assets. The house you live in and 1 vehicle would be exempt along with household furnishings and any equipment or tools of the trade. Your earned income would also be considered.

As for collecting widower's benefits I looked it up in Title 20 of the Code of Federal Regulations of the Social Security Administration. In summary:

You are entitled if:

A - You have been married at least 9 months

B - You apply

C - You're at least 60 years old, or 50 years old and have a disability

Here's the link: http://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/cfr20/404/404-0335.htm

Answer 2

The waiting period for disability benefits is valid, although I disagree with it. You must wait five full months, plus the month disability started, unless it started the first day. Then tou get the benefit check for the seventh month in the eighth month. she may qualify for SSI, medicaid, or other aid. Survivors benefits are payable to certain family members. Go to: www.ssa.gov for more details. Blessings to your family.