If my spouse worked but was self employed much of the time, do I qualify for SS benefits when I turn 60 in September?? I am receiving survivors benefits from the VA. He passed away on 2011. Thanks

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

You may be able to qualify for widow(er) benefits as early as age 60 provided that your spouse paid into Social Security long enough to be insured. People only earn Social Security credits on their self-employment earnings if they have a profit and if they pay self-employment taxes. To be fully insured, a person needs 40 quarters (i.e. 10 years) of Social Security coverage (QC), but they can be insured with fewer than 40 QCs if they die or become disabled prior to the year they reach age 62.

Social Security should be able to tell you whether or not you can potentially qualify for widow(er) benefits, so you'll probably want to call them and find out. Also, you may want to consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to analyze your filing options so that you can determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry