Ask Larry

Can I Get My Second Husband's Social Security?

My 3rd husband died 3Spril 2021. I'm collecting social security from my dead 4th husband. Can I get my second husband social security? We were married over 10 years.

Hi. I'm sorry for your loss. You can't get an ex-spouse's actual benefits, but you can potentially collect survivor or auxiliary benefits on their account if you meet all of the requirements (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0403.html). However, you can't collect benefits on the record of more than one spouse or ex-spouse at the same time.

If you've already reached your full retirement age (FRA), then you would want to apply for benefits on the record of whichever of your spouses would provide you with the highest monthly benefit rate. Only Social Security could provide you with that type of information, so you'll need to contact them to determine your best option.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Apr 19 2021 - 9:32am
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