My husband and I have been married 13 yrs (together 25th). I’ve always been a housewife and would rely solely on my husbands SS benefits upon his retirement. I’m 63 and my husband is 49. Will I be eligible for widows benefits if something should happen to him as I’m over 60?

Hi. Yes, as long as your husband is insured for Social Security benefits it sounds like you'd be eligible for widow's benefits in the event of his death (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0401.html). To be fully insured for Social Security benefits you need to earn 40 quarters (QC) of coverage, which is the equivalent of having roughly 10 years of Social Security covered earnings. However, fewer QCs are required for insured status if a worker dies prior to age 62.

It sounds like you'd also likely qualify for spousal benefits while your husband is still living, but you can't get spousal benefits at least until your husband starts drawing either Social Security retirement or disability (SSDI) benefits. You and your husband may want to consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to help you with your Social Security planning.

Best, Jerry