Hi Jerry, Thank you for your column.
My mama died on May 12th, approx six weeks ago. She was 89 and I am 61. I have been her only and full time caretaker for more than 7 yrs.

I have full POA and am the executor of her estate. (even though there is no estate to be executor of)
We lived on SS, she drew SS from my deceased father's benefits and I receive SS disability. I knew that if mama passed away before me that my $943.00 a month disability wasn't going to pay our mortgage and utilities every month and that I would have to do something.

Hi Larry,
My baby’s father is American. He is very sick, cancer an unfortunately the prognosis is very bad. While we are processing that. He wants to get married to pass his social security check on to my and our son.
I want you to know if ;
- that is possible?
- if it has an effect on my income here in Belgium
-will it increase my taxes?
- can the American state claim my child? My son is Belgian now and he’s under my custody.
- how much will I receive and how much will it cost?

Kind regards
Rania

My friend just passed away. He was born on 1/24/1957(63 years old)He was working and not collecting S.S. benefits. He leaves behind 3 kids-twins aged 9 and one child aged 11. Also a young widow 40 years old. What S.S. benefits are the Widow and 3 kids entitled to? She is the sole caretaker for the children. Thanks for any advice you can give-Marty.

Hi Marty,

I'm sorry for your loss.

My Husband passed May 12th 2020 at 67 - his birthday. He was getting $1774, less $144.= $1630. I am getting $679. The agent said I will recieve $922 of my husband's benefits PLus my $679. Totaling $1601. My Rent is Still $1600. That's $1 for Food, Etc. What happens to the balance of my husband's benefits ❓

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

My former spouse died at the age of 36 in 1995. I was 37, and cared for our two children, who were 10 and 7 at the time of his death. I applied for survivors benefits and advised I would receive three separate checks for each of us. When the following month came, I only received two checks, one for each of the children individually. I called the office to inquire about it and was then told I didn't qualify for widows benefits. I didn't apply for widows benefits, I applied for survivors benefits, which they had that information.

What happens if your spouse died so young (22) that it would be impossible to be married for ten years?

Hi,

I started taking my Soc Sec at age 64. Now at age 70, I wonder if I am eligible to claim divorced survivor benefits from my former husband who recently passed away. His earning were greater than mine, and we were married for 26yrs. Thanks!

Hi,

Hi Larry,

Last year when I turned 66, I did a file and suspend on my benefit to claim 1/2 of my current spouse's Social Security which was very minimal. My current spouse passed away and I was switched to survivor benefit on his record which was a very small amount. Social Security asked me if I had been previously married for longer than 10 years.

If and when I pass away will my wife be able to collect my social security check which is much greater then hers

Hi,

Dear Larry: you've been helpful before..just one more question..I've been receiving my partner s full social security from the home he's been in for the past 4 years ( he's just passed), I am age 57 and on disability ( SSI R), do I continue getting the whole check are 71 percent but can I still collect my SSI ( 950.00). My partners check was 2000.00?. Some say because I was already getting the full amount I get to keep it, but I just don't know..please help.. thank you kind sir!

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.