I just started receiving widows social security benefits this month. I was previously collecting social security benefits under my own record. The awards letter I just got told me I will be receiving a certain monthly amount under my widows benefits and will also be receiving benefits under my own record. How is this possible? I thought you could only collect under one record?

Hi,

Once you file for benefits on your own Social Security record, that becomes your primary benefit forever. If you later become entitled to a higher benefit on someone else's record (e.g. spousal or widow's benefits), what you actually get is an excess benefit from the other record in addition to your own benefit. The total benefit payable is essentially equal to the higher of the 2 benefits.

Best, Jerry