The income period when a surviving spouse does not qualify for Social Security survivor or retirement benefits is called the

This term is not officially recognized in the context of Social Security benefits and does not describe a distinct period of benefit eligibility. While it may imply a time related to family and dependency, it fails to capture the specific eligibility criteria and conditions that define the blackout period.

The "Retirement Period" generally refers to the time when an individual has reached retirement age and is eligible to receive Social Security retirement benefits. This term does not apply to the situation of surviving spouses and does not denote any interruption in benefit eligibility.

The "Disability Period" pertains to a timeframe during which an individual is unable to work due to a qualifying disability and may receive Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI). This term is unrelated to the benefits available to surviving spouses and does not address eligibility gaps after the death of a spouse.