Ask Larry

Can I Collect My Ex-Husband's Social Security?

Hello, My ex husband just passed. We were married 23 years. I have never remarried. Can I collect his social security?
Thanks. If so, what do I need to do?

Hi. You can't actually collect your ex-husband's Social Security benefits, but if you're at least age 60, or at least age 50 and disabled, then you may be eligible for survivor benefits on your ex-husband's record (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0403.html). However, if you're already drawing Social Security retirement or disability benefits on your own account, you could only qualify for survivor benefits if your survivor rate is higher than your own benefit rate.

To claim survivor benefits, you would need to contact Social Security to make an appointment to apply for benefits. However, before filing for benefits you may want to strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully compare and analyze all of your filing options so that you can determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Nov 26 2022 - 1:19pm
MaxiFi software running on a laptop
Get What's Yours!
Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars with Maximize My Social Security software!
  • Find your maximized strategy
  • Unlimited what-ifs
  • Step-by-Step filing instructions
  • Our software's lifetime-benefit increase for an illustrative couple earning $65K each and planning to take retirement benefits at 62.

    Results will differ based on your specific case and filing strategy.

Getting Started is Easy
Web-based software. Works on ALL browsers. No download.