Ask Larry

Can I Receive Spousal Benefits On My Deceased Husband's Account?

My husband passed away at age 72 in March of this year we had been married 5years he was receiving retirement benefits
Can I receive spousal benefits?
I receive disability benefits

Hi. I'm sorry for your loss. The answer to your question depends on your age and your current benefit rate. I assume you mean that you are drawing Social Security disability (SSDI) benefits, in which case you' could only qualify for additional survivor benefits if your husband's primary insurance amount (PIA) or his full benefit rate was higher than your full SSDI benefit rate. A person's PIA is equal to their Social Security retirement benefit rate if they start drawing their benefits at full retirement age (FRA), or their full SSDI rate. Also, you would need to be at least age 50 to potentially qualify for disabled widow's benefits. If you're younger than age 50 you could only qualify for survivor benefits if you have a child in your care who is drawing benefits on your husband's record and who is either under age 16 or is disabled.

Even if you don't qualify for additional monthly benefits, though, you could probably qualify for a one time death benefit of $255. You'll probably want to contact Social Security to apply for that benefit if you haven't already done so, and while you're at it you can check to see if you're eligible for survivor benefits.

Best, Jerry

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Posted: 
Sep 10 2021 - 6:21pm
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