My husband died in 1994 he was 49.

I was deemed Disabled around 2010 at age 50.

SS checked to see whose SS out pay would be worth more - his or mine - turned out mine was.

So I have collected disibility for the last 6 or 7 years based on my own work record.

I will turn 60 in Aug. 2017 - my question is "Will I be eligible for widows benefits from SS for my husbands work record and if so how will it be calculated?"

Hi,

My neighbor [in her early 70's] who is collecting her own social security wonders if
she can receive her recently deceased husband's benefits as well. They were married
16 years and he died @ age 75, just a few days ago. She is frightened as she has to
evacuate the house within 6 months, and needs to know how much income she can
count on. Please advise and Thank You, for your help.

Hi,

My husband passed in 2002 I started drawing widows pension at age 60 I work during our marriage it only part time and the last 11 years of his life I was a 24/7 caregiver will I lose my widows pension when I turn 65

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

No, you can continue to receive your widow's benefits for as long as you live. However, if you're insured for Social Security benefits on your own record and you file for those benefits, you will only receive the higher of your retirement benefit rate or your widow's rate, not both.

My husband died in 2001. His income for last 20 yrs averaged $225,000.plus a year. The 15 yrs. prior were good earning years but not as much. He received SS for a year before his death. Social security said they didn't have record of 3 of his earning years. Could this have an effect on his SS check? If so, then my check (I get his SS) could be effected also. I receive much less than most of the people I know. Is there a way to check if he received the correct amount? Thank you for any help you are able to offer.
Marilyn

Hi Marilyn,

I will begin taking social security when I turn 70 this November. My wife is 10 years younger than me and I expect her to outlive me by at least 25 years. Should she file for her own benefits when she turns 62, since she will file for survivor benefits when I die? Her SSA calculated max benefit at age 66.5 is $1222. My benefit is projected to be $3262.

I have told her if I die before she turns 66.5, live off savings (they are adequate) until she turns full retirement age then file for survivor benefits. Is this good advice?

Thank you.

Hi,

I have a mess. My husband died in 2012; he was drawing social security. I took the reduced widows rate @ 59 yrs old because I had not worked in years and needed to survive. Then I was asked last year to consult with an organization. I wasn't concerned because I knew that I would not reach the $15,900 threshold to affect my ss benefit --- Now, I have been offered a full-time position with another organization that will push me into the $60,000+ income range. I still will have a little consulting income in the mix.

I am 64 years old. I was married for 13 years when my husband died. I was 32 and pregnant. I collected widow's benefit until I remarried and then it went to my kids until they were 18. I remarried a couple of times but divorced my last husband in 2009. I contacted the SS office and can get SS from my first husband. My question is should it be retroactive back to when I was 62 and can I continue to get his and let mine grow until I am 70 or beyond if his is more than mine would be?

Hi,

My husband died at the age of 67 and was just starting to collect social security. That was 3 years ago. I am currently 54. When can I collect his social security. Anyway around the age 60 or disabled age 50?

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

Hello,

collecting dead spouse social security (larger than mine) want to marry but if I die, will new wife get the social sercurity I now receive

Hi,

No, your new wife could never qualify for benefits on your deceased wife's record. However, your new wife could potentially file for widow's benefits on your record if you die first, even if you weren't receiving your own retirement benefits prior to your death.

Best, Jerry