Ask Larry

Widows Benefits

Will I Still Qualify For Spousal Benefits From My Deceased Husband?

My husband of 39 years passed away 3 years ago. He was on disability for MS. I was 57 at the time and was not eligible for spousal benefits. I remarried a year ago and recently got divorced. I will be 60 in August of this year. Will I still qualify for spousal benefits from my husband?

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

Posted: 
Friday, May 29, 2020 - 09:36

Is My Grandmother Eligible For Her Deceased Husband's Social Security?

My grandmother wants to know if she will draw her deceased husbands social security? She is 91 years old and her medicare supplement is $384.00. She also wants to know if she will draw his retirement check from John Hancock? His monthly retirement check from John Hancock was $166.00. She only draws $92.00 a month from John Hancock.

Hi,

I don't know whether or not your grandmother is eligible for survivor benefits from John Hancock, but if she is it won't affect her Social Security benefits.

Posted: 
Sunday, July 30, 2017 - 07:52

Will My Wife's Widow's Benefits Be Reduced If She Takes Her Own Benefits Early?

I turn 66 this September. At that time, I will be elibible for full retirement benefits. My wife is 4 years younger. She turns 62 in October. With my earnings record, I will receive close to the maximum benefit. My wife, on the other hand stayed at home to raise our children and did not work full time. She would qualify for marginal benefits ( I think they are around $100.00/ month at full retirement age), so she basically has no benefits of note.

Posted: 
Tuesday, April 4, 2017 - 06:30

Can I Get Retroactive Benefits?

My husband of 40 years passed away 11-12-13. He was 69. I was unaware of widows benefits and did not file until January 2016, shortly after I turned 61. I know I am receiving a higher benefit because I "waited" to file. If I agree to lower benefits and repayment of my overpayment can I retroactively collect benefits for the year I was eligible?
Thank-you
Valerie

Hi Valerie,

I'm sorry for your loss.

Posted: 
Wednesday, December 7, 2016 - 16:15

Can I Get Widow's Benefits Now?

I am 58 my husband was 73, he just died, we have no children, will I be able to get survivor benefits now or will I have to wait till I am 62? We were married 25 years.

Hi,

I'm very sorry for your loss.

You can qualify for reduced Social Security widow's benefits as early as age 60, or now if you are disabled based on Social Security's standards.

Posted: 
Friday, November 25, 2016 - 12:45
MaxiFi software running on a laptop
Get What's Yours!
Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars with Maximize My Social Security software!
  • Find your maximized strategy
  • Unlimited what-ifs
  • Step-by-Step filing instructions
  • Our software's lifetime-benefit increase for an illustrative couple earning $65K each and planning to take retirement benefits at 62.

    Results will differ based on your specific case and filing strategy.

Getting Started is Easy
Web-based software. Works on ALL browsers. No download.