Ask Larry

Am I Entitled to a Widow's Benefit?

I turned 66 y.o. in march 2011 and collected my SS pension at that time. My husband died on February 2010. My SS pension is higher than him. Am I intitled to collect any widow benefit? He collected his SS when he turned 66, in 2006.

Norma,
You are eligible for the higher of your retirement benefit off of your record or your widow's benefit, which is generally what your husband was receiving when he died, as increased by subsequent COLAs. From what you say, your retirement benefit is larger. So, you are getting the maximum that you’re entitled to.

Best,
Mike

Posted: 
Jun 29 2016 - 6:00pm
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