Can 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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