Hi Larry,
My Mother has been a widow since 2007. How can she access her spouse’s (my Father) SSA earnings record? Can she create a My Social Security account online on his behalf? Or does she have to contact the SSA directly?

Thanks

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

Your mother couldn't legally access her deceased husband's earnings history online. She might be able to get a copy of your father's earnings record by visiting a Social Security office, but they seem reluctant to release information like that even though I believe that it's perfectly legal to do so.

At a minimum, though, Social Security should be willing to tell your mother the amount of your deceased father's primary insurance amount (PIA), and her potential survivor rates depending on her age at the time she claims benefits. She may even be able to obtain that information by calling Social Security.

Best, Jerry