Survivor Benefits

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Can I receive a survivor benefit from my ex-husband if I got remarried?

Full question: I’m 65, in dire financial shape (making work difficult since pandemic). I qualify for a bewildering smorgasborg, all but Survivor/Widow’s… It seems perilous for me to go in without better preparation. I think it would be different if I didn’t actually need this so badly. My ex’s earnings are much higher than mine…

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I was told I need to pay back my survivor benefits since I also receive disability. What can I do?

Full question: I received my widows benefits for 2 years. Then I was approved for disability and now they are telling me I have to pay all the widows benefits back because I couldn’t get both, but that wasn’t my fault. Hello, You are in a very unique situation, and it is difficult for us…

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How do I find out if my own benefits at 70 will be higher than my survivor benefits?

Full question: Hi Martha, I’ve been collecting Survivor benefits since I was 66. I’ll be turning 70 in October. How do I find out if my own benefits at 70 will be higher than my deceased spouse’s? Hi there, You should contact your local Social Security office to verify if you are eligible for a higher…

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Does the family maximum benefit apply to child-in-care benefits?

Full question: My ex spouse passed away. We were married over 10 years ,5 kids 4 disabled. The kids get survivors benefits. the SSA office states I qualify for benefits but I can’t get them because it’s at the max benefits and we stay together! ( of course we do, they are minors!) I thought…

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Can my husband collect Social Security from his deceased first wife?

Full question: This question is for my husband. His first wife died 7 years ago at age 55 and made more money than my husband. We got married 4 years ago. He is ready to retire. Can he get her Social Security benefits? Hello, Individuals who have lost a spouse may still be eligible to…

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I claimed survivor benefits at 62. Can I get my own Social Security benefits at 70?

Full question: I took widow social security at 62 can I get my own at 70? Hello, Thank you for the question. Yes, you do have the ability to switch to your own retirement benefit at anytime from age 62 through 70. You will receive the higher of the two amounts at the time you…

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