I am being told by social security that applying for benefit of combination of my retirement and spousal (since I don't have enough on my own record) before FRA does reduce future survivor benefits. Two different people told me this yet you say no. Has there been a change in the law?

Hi,

My friend's wife died in July, 2013 at the age of 56. He was 64 at the time. He never applied for survivor benefits, never remarried, and has continued working as the President and CEO of a small company. He turned 70 in December shortly after realizing that he could get spousal survivor benefits. When he called Social Security, they told him that he was limited to only 6 months of retroactive benefits and that he should contact a lawyer.

Hello,
My friend and her dependent daughters have recently suffered the loss of their main provider (the husband and father). He was young but paid into SS for some time. The death was a suicide.

My friend is 40 yrs old.
I am trying to help her by understanding what she is eligible for as far as benefits go. I would be grateful to hear your take on this.

Thank you,
A friend

Hi,

If my wife draws benefits at 62, are her future survivor benefits reduced by this or is it dependant on when she files for the survivor benefits?

Thanks

Hi,

Husband has late stage cancer @ 68. Spouse is only 50. Should husband apply for disability or retirement from Social Security? Will spouse has medicare after husband pass away? Regardless of whether husband apply for retirement, spouse should have widows benefit, right?

Hi,

My wife and I were married in Nevada 2 years ago. I am 57 and she is 30. I am considering taking benefits at 62 She is from the Philippines. We are considering moving to the Philippines and by passing her chance to get a green card and later US citizenship. If I die, can she collect surviving spousal social security benefits at 62?

Hi,

My ex husband died this year and the Social security will not pay
me Survivor's benefits because of retirement. They classify it as "double Dipping"!
I currently have to sub to pay my debts because of 2 previous bouts with cancer!

Linda DOB 12/31/1957 Age 60.
Spouse Deceased 1/28/2016 - Married over 10 years.
Spouse Age 56 at time of death.
Spouse was receiving SSDI at time of death.
Linda began receiving Widows Benefits at age 60.
Linda has received Widows Benefits for the months of December 2017 to present.
Linda applied for SSDI in June 2015.
Linda has been awarded SSDI benefits.
Linda's Date Of Entitlement began 12/2015.
Linda began receiving Monthly SSDI Benefits and Modified Widows Benefits effective 8/2018.

Can I file for ex-spousal benefits. Both of us are 80. married 13 years. I remarried husband died 2011. I have been collecting my own SS since I was 66. Ex-spouses amount is higher. Can I receive the higher amount?

Hi,

I am 52, my husband (54) just died suddenly from a heart attack. I live in Georgia we have 2 teenage daughters. . I am an artist and sell consignment to a local shop. I have a 1099 with them - do not make much (2017 was $4800.00). Will this earning impact my survivor benefits? Because the amount I receive is 'unknown' (only paid if my art sells) am I considered 'working'. I don't want to put the wrong information when filing.