Ask Larry

When I Die WIll My Children And Spouse Be Able To Collect Benefits?

I am marrying a filipina with two minor children--- My wife or kids have never left the philippines' but I have been there more than 5 times and rent a home there now. I receive 1894.00 month at age 69.---

Question: When i die will children and my spouse be able to collect benefits?

Hi. Assuming that your wife and children are citizens of the Philippines only, then the answer is almost certainly no. In order for your wife and step-children to be able to collect benefits from your Social Security record while they are living outside of the U.S., they would likely need to have resided with you in the U.S. for at least five years while you were in a family relationship (https://secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0302610025).

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Apr 7 2023 - 5:59pm
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.