I have a state retirement. Can I collect my deceased husband's social security. He was in military 20 years.

Hi,

I can't answer your question without a lot more information. You may qualify for widow's benefits if and when you meet all of the requirements for entitlement (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0401.html), but if your wages were exempt from Social Security taxes on your state government job then your widow's benefits would likely be offset by 2/3rds of the amount of your state pension (https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10007.pdf).

Our maximization software should be able to help you determine whether or not you could receive widow's benefits, and if so your best strategy for claiming your benefits.

Best, Jerry