Full question: Can I continue to collect my deceased spouse’s SS when I retire if I am caring for his adult disabled child without GPO penalty? The adult child has had SSI denied three times. Can he collect off my deceased spouse’s SS? Also my deceased spouse was military. I am 76 and not retired yet.

Hi there,

I assume that you are currently collecting the survivor benefit and there would be no reason for those to end when you quit working, unless your own retirement benefit is a higher amount.

If you have not yet applied for retirement benefits, I strongly recommend you do that as soon as possible. They do not increase from delayed retirement credits after age 70. Supplemental Security Income, SSI benefits, are income based so that may be why he has been denied.

It is tough to provide more assistance without more information. I suggest working with an RSSA for personalized support.

Best of luck,
Martha

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