612. How is disability defined for disabled widow(er)s?

Prior to January 1, 1991, if you are a disabled widow or widower, your disability is based on a medically determinable physical or mental impairment that is severe enough to meet or equal an impairment in the Listings of Impairments. This is true regardless of your age, education, and work experience. Meeting or equaling the level of severity described in the Listing of Impairments is enough to determine that you are disabled.

Effective January 1, 1991, the definition of disability is the same as the definition of disability for disabled workers.

Last Revised: Jul. 26, 2005