Q. I was married for 16 years to a man who died 20 years ago. Is it too late to file for Social Security widow’s benefits? I’m also getting disability benefits.

A. You are not too late to file for widow’s benefits. However, in cases such as yours, the response from Social Security will depend on several factors. Under Social Security rules, you can qualify for a disabled widow’s benefits if you are between ages 50 and 60 and have a disability that began before your husband’s death or within seven years after his death.

Since you’re receiving disability benefits, you may be eligible to receive reduced widow’s benefits as early as age 60. If you are eligible and your disability benefit is less than the widow’s benefit, you will receive the disability benefit plus the difference between the two. On the other hand, if the disability benefit is higher than your widow’s benefit, you will receive only the disability benefit.

For more information, go to www.socialsecurity.gov/ww&os2.

Source: Social Security Administration