My Dad passed away unexpectedly at age 70 (and 10 months specifically). He just had never gotten around to filing for his retirement benefits though he meant to. Can I file for his retirement benefits retroactively for when he was fully eligible to the benefit of his estate? I've seen his statements and he should have been getting about 2500 a month. There is debt to the IRS and it would help to pay them. No one seems to be able to answer this question...

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

Unfortunately, the answer to your question is no. An application filed by you on behalf of your deceased father would not be valid (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0200204001).

Best, Jerry