I'm 75 getting married. New bride is 52. If i pass on , can my wife draw my benefits? Thanks

Hi,

Your wife wouldn't be able to draw your actual benefits if you die. However, she could potentially qualify for survivor (i.e. widow's) benefits based on your Social Security record. In order to qualify for widow's benefits, though, your wife would need to be at least age 60, or at least age 50 and be disabled (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/survivors/ifyou.html#h2).

Best, Jerry

Hi Larry,

I know you have covered this before, I am 73 years young and collecting SS from my first spouse marriage he is deceased and I am planning to remarry soon, will I lose my widow's retirement SS when I remarry? or should I just have a spiritual wedding?

Hi,

No need to worry. Marriages that occur after you reach age 60 have no effect on either your eligibility for widow's or surviving divorced spousal benefits nor your benefit rate. So, since you're already over age 60 you won't lose your widow's benefit if you remarry.

Best, Jerry

I have been receiving disability for 3 years. My husband died suddenly last year. I began to get two separate checks. Disability and widows benefit. Is this correct or was this an error ?! In December I will be 65. Will this change at that time.?

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

My brother passed away suddenly at age 59. His wife just turned 60. Is she entitled to any social security benefits? I believe she stopped working about 20 years ago when their youngest child was born.

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

Hello, my husband was on S.S. disability for around a year when he passed away at age 33. my kids and I got survivors benefits for several years and now I am nearing age 60 and have not remarried. I have been told that I can claim widow benefits also,and if so will it be based on what he could have made or on what he previously made. I still plan on working as long as I am able.

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

I am 53, work ft and receive a VA disability check each month. My husband passed earlier this year at 58. This has made me think of retiring from my job next year as I am eligible due to years of service. Do I have to wait till im 60 to collect ssa widows benefits?

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

Is there a way to appeal a decision for widows benefits? My husband and I were together for 10 years but only married 5 days before he passed.?

Hi,

Yes. First you need to file an application for widow's benefits, and then if your claim is disallowed you would have 60 days in which to file an appeal (https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10041.pdf).

My husband was born April, 1953. I was born Oct, 1957.
He is allowed to draw a spousal benefit on me if I start my benefits this month when I am 62.
He starts collecting at age 70 on his benefit. He dies at age 73. I will be FRA by then.
Will my survivor benefit be the amount he was drawing at his death? The social security office told me I will only get his FRA, I will not be able to take advantage of his delayed retirement credits.

Hi,

Hi Larry,
I'm 56 years old and working full time. My husband recently passed away. Should I apply to receive widow's benefits at age 60 or should I wait until xx years? I'm not hurting for money but don't know the pros/cons of applying for his benefits. Are their earnings limits if I do apply for widow's benefits?
thank you
candy

Hi Candy,

I'm sorry for your loss.