I am 72 and my spouse is 76. We have been receiving benefits since we were each age 66. If one of us dies, then one benefit goes away completely and our own benefit is not enough for either of us. if I buy your book, will it help us increase our benefit? Is it possible to receive our own benefit plus a portion of the deceased spouse benefit. I was also married previously for eleven years. Can I receive a benefit from a previous spouse in addition to my own individual benefit?

Hi,

The surviving member of a couple receives the higher of their 2 benefits. If the spouse with the higher benefit dies first, the survivor receives their own benefit, plus the difference in the 2 benefits as an excess widow(er)'s benefit. The total monthly amount payable is simply 100% of the higher benefit.

If your spouse dies before you, it's possible that you could receive benefits on your first spouse's record, but only if the amount payable on that account would be higher than what you're already receiving on your own, plus any excess that you might be due on your deceased spouse's record. Also, if you married your current spouse after age 60 and your previous spouse is now deceased, it's possible that you could be eligible for an excess remarried surviving divorced spousal benefit now.

The above facts are explained in the book 'Get What's Yours (Revised & Updated): The Secrets to Maxing Out Your Social Security', but I can't promise that reading it will enable you to receive more benefits.

Best, Jerry