My spouse just passed away at the age of 65yrs.
Am 54 years old, am I eligible for her social security?

Hi. I'm sorry for your loss. No one can actually claim another person's Social Security benefits or Social Security tax contributions, but if you were married for at least 9 months then you may qualify for survivor benefits based on your wife's earnings history. However, in order to qualify for widower's benefits as early as age 54 you'd either need to be disabled or have a child in your care who qualifies for child's benefits on your wife's account and who is either under age 16 or disabled.

Widower's who don't have a child in care and who are not disabled can first claim widower's benefits at age 60. But, if you start drawing benefits prior to your full retirement age (FRA) your benefit rate would be reduced for age and could be subject to withholding if you work and earn too much (https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/whileworking.html).

Our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) could help you determine when you may qualify for benefits, and what the best filing strategy would be to maximize your benefits.

Best, Jerry