Ask Larry

Widow's Benefits

Is It True That My Friend Can't Receive Any Of Her Deceased Husband's Benefits?

Larry,
I am asking for my friend, Robin. She lived in NV when her husband passed away, a year ago. She now resides in Kansas. She is 64y/o and was told she could NOT receive any of her husband’s benefits until she was 66y/o. Is that true and if so Why?
Thank You,
Melanie

Hi Melanie,

Posted: 
Saturday, August 1, 2020 - 09:20

If I Die Before Age 70, Can My Wife Get A Higher Widow's Rate If She Waits To Claim Widow's Benefits Until I Would Have Been 70?

My wife is 69 and already collecting SS. I turn 66 this October and plan on delaying SS until 70. If I die before I turn 70, can my wife wait until my 70th birthday to start collecting spousal benefits for maximum payout or do they stop accruing if I die before 70?

Hi,

Posted: 
Monday, July 27, 2020 - 11:07

Do You Think I Can Qualify For Benefits?

Hi..My husband passed away20yrs ago and about 10yrs ago I got married and that marriage lasted for 3yrs..I do have a full time job . Do you think I can qualify for benefit...Thanks

Hi,

It sounds like you could probably qualify for widow's benefits as early as age 60, but your benefit rate will be reduced for age if you apply prior to your full retirement age (FRA). Also, Social Security has an earnings test that applies until you reach FRA, so if you're earning too much your benefits may need to be fully or partially withheld.

Posted: 
Wednesday, June 24, 2020 - 08:01

Am I Able To Collect From My Husband's Social Security If He Dies After I Retire?

My husband and I were married in 2013, he was divorced in 2004, he is 73, if I retire at 65 and he passes away after that am I able to collect from his social security, he was collecting his social security already before we got married.

Hi,

Potentially, yes. The fact that your husband was previously married would have no bearing on your ability to collect widow's benefits, even if a former spouse(s) of his also qualifies for survivor benefits on his record.

Posted: 
Tuesday, June 16, 2020 - 10:00

Is My Thinking Correct On This?

Larry - I had Maximize My Social Security Analysis ran for myself and my wife. My monthly benefit would be more than my wife's monthly benefit. My question is (and as I understand it) if I waited to age 70 to start taking my Social Security and I passed away lets say at 71, my wife would start collecting at that time 100% of my monthly benefit (what I was getting) and of course she would stop receiving her monthly benefit as it was less than mine at that time. Is my thinking correct on this? Thanks.

Hi,

Posted: 
Monday, June 15, 2020 - 17:35
MaxiFi software running on a laptop
Get What's Yours!
Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars with Maximize My Social Security software!
  • Find your maximized strategy
  • Unlimited what-ifs
  • Step-by-Step filing instructions
  • Our software's lifetime-benefit increase for an illustrative couple earning $65K each and planning to take retirement benefits at 62.

    Results will differ based on your specific case and filing strategy.

Getting Started is Easy
Web-based software. Works on ALL browsers. No download.