A claimant whose first month of entitlement (MOET) to widow(er)'s insurance benefits
(WIB) or surviving divorced spouse’s benefits is no earlier than the month he or she
attains age 60 qualifies for benefits under the regular widow(er)'s provisions rather
than on the basis of being under a disability.
If a claimant is under age 61, there may be months in the retroactive period prior
to age 60 for which he or she can receive benefits. This can occur only if it is established
that the claimant was disabled in one or more months after the expiration of the 5-month
waiting period and in which he or she had not attained age 60.
NOTE: Refer to RS 00615.315 regarding simultaneous entitlement to WIB and DWB.