If a wife collects her retirement benefits at age 62 and her husband collects at age 70, what amount of survivor benefit will she receive if he dies before her?
Full Question: If a wife collects her social security at age 62, taking a 30% cut for early distributions, and her husband waits till 70 to collect his. If the husbands then passes away, I know the wife is entitled to receive his survivor benefit. This benefit includes the extra 32% because he waited to…
Read MoreAm I entitled to receive survivor benefits from my first husband?
Full question: Hi!!! My first husband passed away in 2006 and my children received survivor benefits until they were 18. I remarried, but am now divorced from my second husband. He is not deceased. Can I receive my first husband’s social security. It is higher than mine. I just turned 61. My benefits would be…
Read MoreCan a widow (older than FRA) apply for retroactive widow benefits?
Full question: Can a widow who is past FRA and still working apply for widows benefits retroactive to the day she reached FRA? Hello, You may be entitled to monthly survivor benefits retroactively for up to 6 months. Retroactive benefits for months prior to attainment of FRA are not payable to a widow(er) if this…
Read MoreMy wife passed away. Can I collect my benefit and widow benefits?
Hi, I am very sorry for your loss. If you are at or above your Full Retirement Age, you can collect 100% of your wife’s benefit. If you take it early, the benefit will be reduced. However, you cannot collect both benefits (your benefit and widow/survivor benefits). You can will collect the higher of the…
Read MoreMy husband recently passed away. Is there anything I need to do?
Hello, I am so sorry for your loss. In most cases, a funeral home will report a death to the Social Security Administration. You should provide the funeral home with your husband’s Social Security number. You cannot report a death or apply for survivor’s benefits online. You should call 1-800-772-1213 to speak with Social Security…
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