I am a widow and have not worked for many years. Can I get benefits?

Q: I am a widow. I have not worked for many years, but I am disabled. Can I get Social Security disability benefits?

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A: If you are age 50 or older and became disabled within seven years of your husband's or wife's death, or within seven years after you last drew mother's or father's benefits from Social Security, you may be eligible for disabled widow's or widower's benefits. If you are age 65 or older, even without a disability, and have very limited income and resources, you may be eligible for SSI benefits.