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Can My Son's Wife In Mexico Get His Survivor Benefits?

My son died recently in Mexico, and he was getting Social Security. He was married to a Mexican Citizen. She still lives in Mexico and has never lived in the US. She is 66 years old. Can she get his Survivor benefits.

Hi. I'm sorry for your loss It doesn't sound like your son's widow could be paid benefits while she's living in Mexico. Unless your son died as a result of a U.S. military service connected injury or illness or while he was in the U.S. military, then the only way that his widow could be paid survivor benefits is if she and your son lived together in the U.S. as a couple for at least 5 years (https://secure.ssa.gov/apps10/poms.nsf/lnx/0201753145).

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Apr 21 2021 - 8:41pm
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