Hi- My spouse is 37 years older than I- he is 73. He is on medicare and gets a check from Social Security every month. Will i be able to claim Medicare through his record when i reach retirement age, even in the event that he passes way before i reach retirement age? Also will i get a certain portion of his Social Sec check at retirement age? I have been reading rules but wasnt sure i was interpreting them correctly. We are trying to plan so this will be helpful to know. thank you.

Hi,

Yes, if you meet the requirements for spouse's or widow's benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0401.html) you'll be able to qualify for Medicare at age 65 based on your husband's work record even if you're not insured for benefits based on your own work record.

The earliest that you could qualify for monthly widow's benefits is age 60, unless you're disabled or you have a child in care who qualifies for benefits on your husband's record. Disabled widows can potentially receive benefits as early as age 50. Widow's with a child in care can potentially receive survivor benefits at any age if their child is either under age 16 or disabled and the child qualifies for benefits on their deceased spouse's record.

You could also potentially qualify for spousal benefits while your husband is living if you're at least age 62 or you have a child in care who is eligible for benefits on your husband's record and who is either under age 16 or disabled (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.03/handbook-0305.html)..

Best, Jerry