my wife passed In 2012. I returned her ssi check the same day she died. At local ss ofice.i never inquired about collicting off her ssi. I was told i couldn't, buy some friends. I looking for ur opion. Ty.

Hi Ty. I'm sorry for your loss. If what your wife was receiving was Supplemental Security Income (SSI), there are no survivor benefits involved. SSI is a needs based benefit, and only people who individually qualify for SSI can be paid those benefits.

However, if your wife was receiving Social Security disability (SSDI) or retirement benefits, then you may be able to qualify for widower benefits. Unless you have a child in your care who is eligible for child benefits of your wife's Social Security account, though, you would need to be at least age 60, or at least age 50 and disabled, to potentially qualify for widower benefits.

Best, Jerry