Ask Larry

Can I Collect Survivor Benefits Right Now?

Hi Larry, my husband passed away in 2018, he was ten years older than myself, I was a widow at 49. Can I get survivors or widow's benefits right now or do I have to wait until I'm 60 or 62 to collect, my husband would of been 63 this year. Thankyou for your advice

Hi. I'm sorry for your loss. Unless you have a child in your care is either under age 16 or disabled who's eligible for survivor benefits or if you are disabled, then the earliest that you could qualify for widow's benefits is at age 60. The full requirements for widow's benefits are outlined in the following section of Social Security's handbook: .https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0401.html.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
May 24 2021 - 8:52pm
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.