The Ombudsman also had some difficult news to give to the woman about her widow’s benefits. The couple had been married over 16 years, and so she met the requirements of the Social Security Administration for the duration of their marriage. However, widow’s benefits are payable at age 60, and the woman who contacted the Ombudsman was 59. She is not eligible for widow’s benefits until February of 2017 when she reaches age 60. The woman had already applied for Social Security Disability benefits on her own Social Security Number and that application is pending.
The woman was ready to leave the rehabilitation facility and return to her own home. However, she did not have a steady source of income. Her husband did leave an antique sport car, which the woman sold to a collector to have income until she obtained work.
The Ombudsman Column, a production of the Joint Office of Citizens' Complaints, summarizes selected problems that citizens have had with government services, schools and nursing homes in the Dayton area. Contact the Ombudsman by writing to the Beerman Building, 11 W. Monument Avenue, Suite 606, Dayton 45402, or telephone (937) 223-4613, or by electronic mail at ombudsman@dayton-ombudsman.org or like us on Facebook at "Dayton Ombudsman Office."
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