My husband and I both receive social security. Mine is twice what his is. If I die can he apply and receive what my benefits are since they are higher than his? We were both full retirement age when we started receiving benefits. We have been married 2 1/2 years as we were both widowed and remarried.

Hi,

The answer depends on what type of benefits you're receiving. If you are receiving benefits based on your own work record only, then the answer is yes. But, if you are receiving widows benefits or a combination of widows and retirement benefits, the answer is no.

Basically, in the event of your death your husband could receive up to 100% of your retirement benefit rate if it's higher than what he's already receiving on his own record or a previous spouse's record. He would not, however, qualify for any widows benefits that you may be receiving.

Best, Jerry