I should make myself clear on the SSDI thing. There is a 5 month statutory waiting period, after you stop working, until you will receive a payment. That payment will be for the 6th month. SSDI is based on your employment/earning history and assets and most pensions have no impact on this payment. Additionally, his wife and children under 18 may also get payments under this program.

SSI has no waiting period and it is based on financial needs. There are stringent controls on income and personal assets attached to SSI but there is no waiting period. Keep in mind my personal experience has been with SSDI, not SSI.

Finally, this is assuming your friends husband has a work history and is not already retired and receiving social security retirement which is another thing altogether.