My neighbor [in her early 70's] who is collecting her own social security wonders if
she can receive her recently deceased husband's benefits as well. They were married
16 years and he died @ age 75, just a few days ago. She is frightened as she has to
evacuate the house within 6 months, and needs to know how much income she can
count on. Please advise and Thank You, for your help.

Hi,

It sounds like your neighbor could qualify for her deceased husband's full benefit amount as a widow if his benefit rate was higher than her own rate. She would only qualify for the higher of the 2 rates, though, not both.

There is a one-time death benefit of $255 that it sounds like your neighbor would qualify for even if her husband's benefit rate was lower than hers. Also, if your neighbor was previously married, she may be eligible for benefits on a prior spouse's record. She should contact Social Security to check on her eligibility for additional benefits.

Best, Jerry