I am 65 1/2 years old. My first husband passed away 7+years ago and I was told then, that I could receive his Social Security benefits if I did not make more than $15,000 annually. I was also told that if I took his benefits based on his salaries over the years that I could not ever collect social security based on my salaries (which are greater for every year). After reading several Q&A of yours, I am now thoroughly confused. I plan to retire at my full retirement age of 66 in June 2018. Can I then collect his social security benefits and mine also?

HI. I am a widow of a veteran, I currently receive a VA pention. I was wondering if I could apply for social security benefits as well on behave of my deceased husband?He died when he was 53 he never applied for social security, he was only receiving the same VA pention that I now receive.

Hi,

I'm not an expert on VA benefits, so I can't tell you what effect receiving a Social Security widow's benefit might have on your VA pension. You'll likely need to check with a VA representative to find out.

Hi! I am 43 years old and my husband is 69. We have two kids under the age of 18. If my husband passes, what social security benefit would I receive? How much would I receive? If I collect now ,will that affect how much I would receive at my full retirement age. Thank you.

Hi,

You would need to have a child in care under age 16 or disabled in order to be eligible for spousal benefits at your current age, but if you do receive spousal benefits it would have no effect on your future benefit rate.

I am 57 and a widow. I'm considering remarrying in 2018. My future husband is a civil service retiree and does not receive social security. I did not work outside of the home thus my ss benefit is minimal. If after my remarriage, my second husband passes away, can I receive a widow's benefit at my full retirement age? Would I have a penalty because of my remarriage?

Hi,

My husband passed in 2004 at age of 48. I am not 61, can I apply for SS from him?

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

In addition to the other requirements, unless you have an eligible child in your care you would need to be at least age 60, or at least age 50 and disabled in order to qualify for widow's benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0401.html).

My husband passed away April 2014. I was not working at the time. I called Social Security the day after his passing to ask about receiving widows benefits and was told I was not qualified. I went into the Social Security office August 2016 to inquire about my own SS benefits because I was going to turn 65 the following Nov and also inquired again about my widows benefits, I still was not working, they said I was not eligible.

Hi Larry, thanks in advance for your assistance. I'm asking this question on behalf of my parents, unmarried. My dad, age 65, is eligible for social security, but my mom, age 63, is not (she doesn't have enough SS credits). What must my mom do in order to get survivor's benefit in case my dad passes away? There is no common law marriage in NY state, so even though they've lived together for decades, they're unmarried. If they get married and stay married 9 months, will that alone make my mom eligible for survivor benefits down the road? Thank you very much.

Does Social Security hide any benefits for Widows

Hi,

I don't believe that Social Security intentionally hides any types of benefits from people, but the filing options and entitlement requirements can be extremely confusing. Our software may be able to help you sort out your benefit and filing options. You may also want to check out the information available on Social Security's website regarding widow's benefits: https://www.ssa.gov/planners/survivors/ifyou2.html.

Dear Larry:

My husband (deceased) passed away before collecting his ss (58). The last statement I received from ss showed what he would have received at his retirement age of 65. this amount is equal to what I will collect (from my statements) at FRA of 66. What if any widow's benefit would I receive from his SS?

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.