I'm 62 and began receiving early retirement benefits last year. My fiance is 68 and receives his full retirement benefit. Once we are married, will I qualify for his full retirement benefits when he dies (assuming he passes after I reach full retirement age)?

Hi,

Yes, although you do need to have been married for at least 9 months in order to qualify for widow's benefits in most cases. You wouldn't get both your own and your husband's benefit rates, though, just the higher of the two.

I should add that you could also potentially qualify for additional spousal benefits while your husband is living, but only if his full retirement age rate (PIA) is more than twice as much as your PIA. You must normally be married for a full year before you could qualify for spousal benefits, though.

Best, Jerry