Dear Larry,
Will I receive both my own and my husband's full social security benefits if he dies before I do. Assuming we are both eligible for full benefits. Thank you.

Hi,

No. The most that you could receive in the event of your husband's death is the higher of your own benefit rate or your widow's rate. In most cases unreduced widow's benefits are equal to 100% of the amount that the of the deceased spouse was receiving (or would have received), so as a widow you would likely either receive the higher of your husband's benefit rate or your own benefit amount.

Best, Jerry