Full question: My spouse passed away at only 39 years old. She has worked full and part time for more than 10 years. What can I expect in Social Security insurance benefits for myself and our 5 children?

Hi there,

This is a very important question and has a number or rules that apply to what you can collect.

If your wife was eligible for Social Security benefits, then you and your children (usually up to age 18 or still in high school) may all be eligible for survivor benefits.

If you are working and younger than FRA, your survivor benefit may be subject to the earnings test.

The amount your children and you, as a child-in-care spouse (for child(ren) under age 16), are eligible to receive is up to 75% of your wife’s eligible benefit amount at the time she passed. The total paid to all of you will be limited by the family maximum benefit amount based on her benefit amount.

You can learn more from this SSA publication.

And for more personalized support, you can find an RSSA here.

All the best,
Martha

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