Ask Larry

Can I Still Apply For Spousal Benefits When I Apply?

I am 67 years old and my husband died in 2009 can i still apply for spousal benefits when i apply

Hi. I'm sorry for your loss. Spouse's benefits are the Social Security terminology for benefits that are paid to a spouse from the record of a living worker. So, you couldn't qualify for spousal benefits on your deceased husband's record, but you may be able to qualify for widow's benefits.

There isn't enough information in your question for me to be able to give you specific advice, but it's important to know that Social Security widow's benefits don't get any higher if you wait past full retirement age (FRA) to apply for them. Therefore, if you're age 67 and if you qualify for widow's benefits then you should probably apply for widow's benefits as soon as possible. The 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

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Posted: 
Mar 10 2021 - 7:22am
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