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To receive HI coverage at the earliest possible time, widows entitled to E benefits
(and who, had they filed an application, would be entitled to DWB), should file an
application for HI within 1 year after the month in which they attain age 50; or if
later, the month in which they first become eligible for DWB.
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Individuals who are entitled to E benefits but are not disabled upon attaining age
50, should be encouraged to apply for HI within 1 year of becoming disabled. If the
person files an application for HI only, the application has 1 year retroactivity
and HI would begin with the 25th month of deemed entitlement to DWB.
EXAMPLE:
Mrs. Hall, born in 1944, has an entitled child in her care, and has been receiving
E benefits since 9/94, when her husband died. At that time she had been severely disabled
for many months, but did not file for DWB because of her eligibility for mother's
benefits. On 5/24/99, she files an application for HI only and submits evidence of
disability. If she meets all DWB eligibility requirements, for purposes of HI, she
will be deemed entitled to DWB beginning 5/98, and will be entitled to HI beginning
5/00.