My husband passed away last year.. I collect benefits for our 2 children but its still hard to make ends meet.. I was told i could also collect benefits if i file for them even though its been a year.. Is this true? .... And I also was told that if i do recieve benefits only thing they will do is take the money i get now and just split it into 3 they wont add extra money for me.. Please help me understand.

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

You could probably qualify for survivor benefits if either of your children are under age 16 or disabled, or if you are at least age 60. However, there is a family maximum benefit (FMB) that could limit the total amount of your family's benefits to no more than the amount that your children already receive. In that event, you wouldn't increase the total amount payable if you opted to file for benefits.

For example, say Jane and her 2 children are potentially eligible for survivor benefits on the account of her deceased husband John. John's full benefit rate (PIA) was $800, and the family maximum payable on his record is $1200. Jane and her children would individually each be eligible for 75% of John's PIA, or $600. However, if they were all paid that much the total amount payable would exceed the family maximum of $1200. So, the benefit amounts for Jane and her children would need to be adjusted to $400 each. If Jane chose not file, though, her children could each get their full rate of $600 without exceeding the FMB.

In most cases the FMB for survivor's is more than 150% of the deceased's PIA. In that event, it would likely be advantageous for you to apply for survivor benefits unless you are working and your earnings would prevent you from receiving benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking2.html). The maximization software should be able to analyze your options and help you determine your best course of action.

Best, Jerry