I’m a widow with an ex-husband. Can I collect from his Social Security?

Hi there, Widows and Widowers may be eligible for survivor benefits from a previous marriage; however, the answer is not a simple one. In cases like this it is not always a one size fits all answer. Ex-spousal survivor benefits depend on the age you begin taking them, what your own benefit is, how long…

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I have an adult child with a disability. Should I wait until I’m 60 to collect survivor benefits?

Full question: Martha, is it better if I wait until I’m 60 to collect off deceased ex-husband’s survivor benefits if I’m caring for our disabled adult son while I’m 59 years of age? Hi there, A survivor benefit can be taken as early as age 60. Deciding when to collect survivor benefits and your own…

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If an ex-spousal benefit is taken early, will it still be reduced if I have minor children? What will my minor children collect?

Full question: I will collect Social Security at 62 as an ex-spouse. 50% of his full benefit will be about $1900. I know typically it would be reduced for filing early, but I read if you have minor children, it is not reduced. Is that true? Also, I have 2 minor children. What number will…

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Can I switch from survivors benefits to my own retirement benefit when I turn 70?

Full question: I am receiving survivors benefits from my deceased ex-husband. Am I able to start drawing mine when I turn 70? Hi there, Yes, you can start collecting your own retirement benefit at age 70 if the amount is greater than the survivor benefit you are collecting. Anyone eligible to collect more than one…

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Can my current spouse and/or ex-spouse collect spousal Social Security benefits based on my record?

Full question: If I was married for 17 years and now I’ve remarried and my current marriage is in the 15th year, who can claim spousal Social Security benefits, my current spouse or my divorced spouse? And my current spouse is 64 and collecting social security at this time. Can he collect from mine if…

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Can my minor children collect Social Security benefits based on my ex-spouse’s earnings if he has not started collecting?

Full question: I meet all the qualifications to receive Social Security under my ex’s record. I plan on starting benefits at 62 because I have minor children. I can not figure out what the child benefit would be. 50% of my ex’s FRA will be $2000. I will have 2 minor children. If he has…

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