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Would My Husband Be Able To Receive My Higher SS Payment If I Die Before Him?
My fiance and I would like to be married. As the wife, I receive the higher SS amount. Would my husband be able to receive my higher SS payment should I die before him? How many years would we need to be married?
Hi,
If a couple is receiving Social Security benefits and one of them dies, the surviving member of the couple usually qualifies for the higher of their two benefit rates provided that the surviving spouse is at least full retirement age (FRA) at the time of the death. You must normally be married for at least 9 months before you can qualify for widow(er) benefits. Therefore, if you and your fiancee get married and you die before him and more than 9 months after your marriage date, he would likely be able to draw your higher Social Security benefit rate instead of his own rate if he's at least FRA.
Best, Jerry
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February 11, 2020