Full question: I discovered recently that my husband passed away in 2012. We were still married but not together. Am I still entitled to receive survivor benefits and how far back will they pay? Hi there, Yes, you are still entitled to survivor benefits if you are still legally married. The SSA pays up to…

Full question: Can I collect survivor benefits from deceased ex-husband from age 60 until my FRA which is 67, and want to be sure that I can switch over as long as my own retirement benefits are higher. Is this true? Hi there, Yes, that is true. Survivor benefits may be collected as young as…

Full question: I am 61, and my husband and I have been separated for years. We have a disabled adult daughter, who lives with me. She currently receives the DAC benefit and I receive the spousal child in care benefit. We are going to finally divorce, does the child in care benefit stop, since I…

Full question: I am receiving SS from a former spouse. I took it at 65, my FRA is 66 and 6mo. Spouse is 2 years younger. I heard I might receive a bump when spouse actually takes SS. This doesn’t seem correct to me but thought I’d ask. Hi there, No, unfortunately your benefit amount…

Full question: I married July 1, 2022, to a railroad retiree, which retired in 2002 after 35 years, I turned 61, April 23, 2023. I currently work full-time been with company 7 years in October, can I collect of my spouses railroad retirement at age 61, and can I still work? Hello, It sounds like…

Hi there, Go to www.ssa.gov and on the main page click on “online services” then select “apply for retirement benefits.” Since you are currently collecting benefits on your spouse’s record, you should be able to start a new application for retirement benefits under your own Social Security number. You may also use the SSA online…