Widow's Benefits

I started receiving soctal security disability in 2011 at the age of 55. In 2013 my husband, who was 18 years older than me and received approximately $2300 a month in SS passed away. I then applied for widow's benefits as well, which I was entitled to since I became disabled after age 50 but before age 60. The social security lady I spoke with at the time told me I would qualify for my late husband's full social security amount when I turned my personal retirement age of 66 years and 2 months.

I'm a widow can I draw his funds by me being a widow

Hi,

You can if you meet the requirements for entitlement: https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0401.html.

Best, Jerry

Larry, I am a 64 year old woman (born 12/1952) who was widowed 19 months ago. I began taking social security benefits on my own record at age 62. My late husband (born 02/1937) began taking social security benefits at age 70. When I called SSA to inquire about my options, they told me that I could continue to take benefits on my own record, and then switch to survivor benefits at age 66. If I choose this option, they told me that my total survivor benefits would equal the amount that my late husband WOULD HAVE received, had he taken his benefits at age 65 or 66.

Larry, I bought the audio book and listened twice. Great read. And I regret to share that although I have an economics degree from Boston University (graduated 2007), I never took your class.

My husband passed away 4/2017 at 73 he was collecting SS $1684 with Medicare taken out I'm 62 just started to collect my ck $884 SS sent me form SSA-4111 to fill out I'm hesitant. It's for permanent reduced benefit of $1251. Thats half of what we got together. Do I hv to accept this they said if I don't sent form back I will get nothing. Can I wait till I'm 65 to get survivors full benefits or do I have to sign and accept this now. Please let me know as I have appt 5/16 with SS. Thank You, Eileen

Hi Eileen,

I'm sorry for your loss.

Hi Larry

My father has passed away recently , is my mother eligible for Survivors benefits even though she makes little more?

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

The answer to your question depends on your mother's age among a number of other factors, so I can't really give you an answer. You may want to refer to Social Security's website: https://www.ssa.gov/planners/survivors/ifyou2.html.

Best, Jerry

My husband died in Sept, 2014 at age 62. I am 3 yrs younger than he, thus 59 when he died, and will be 62 in July of this year. I am unable to work outside of my home due to a disability not recognized/accepted as such, so currently have no income except a $700.00 widows benefit from the VA. I did work for years, but not hi income jobs. If I take my SS at 62, it will only amt to slightly more than 700.00 and I will loose the VA income.

Is there ANY exception to the 9 month rule?

Hi,

Hello, I'm 62 and considering applying for early benefits. My husband is 69 and waited until his FRA to apply, he gets about $2200 per month. My own full benefit amount is only $800. I realize my benefit including the spousal supplement would be reduced if I applied early. A SSA agent told me it would also reduce any future widow's benefit I might receive, even if I was over FRA when that occurred. I think that was incorrect.

I have recently been given widowers survival Social Security Benefits. The added amount of 439 dollars has taken me off medical. If I only took 200 dollars from social security I'd be okay. Can I take only half of what's being offered?

Hi,