My mom and dad were married 14 years a long time ago. My dad and his 3rd wife for over 10. My dad died. Do both women collect on his social security? and if so, does it diminish what the other "wife" gets? Or do they both get the same amount ... and do they both have to know the other is benefitting?

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

Yes, it sounds like both your mother and your father's 3rd wife could potentially qualify for survivor benefits on his record (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0403.html). There is no set limit on the number of beneficiaries who can receive survivor benefits on a single account.

All surviving spouses or ex-spouses who qualify for benefits on a deceased individual's record would be eligible for the same basic unreduced benefit rate (i.e. 100% of the deceased's full benefit rate in most cases), but they may receive different amounts depending on such factors as whether or not they are at least full retirement age when they start drawing, and/or whether or not they receive other benefits. However, the benefit rate payable to a surviving spouse or ex-spouse isn't affected by the entitlement of another surviving spouse or ex-spouse.

The privacy act would preclude Social Security from releasing information about the entitlement of a surviving spouse/ex-spouse to another surviving spouse/ex-spouse, so they wouldn't necessarily know if another person is drawing benefits.

Best, Jerry