Full question: I changed from surviving widow to individual in August 2023. The amount was deferred back to January 2023. I was told the correct increase would be received starting January 2024. I haven’t received the increase yet. Was I misinformed by Social Security representative? Hi there, Not necessarily, but I am not sure we…

Full question: Can a 94 year old widow who has NEVER taken her Social Security benefits get the benefits now? If yes, would she get a Lump Sum payment for the past 20 years of eligibility? Hi there, Well yes, it would appear so. I am assuming you are speaking about survivor benefits. These need…

Full question: Hello, I am a widower currently collecting survivor benefits. I turn 66 in March 2024, and are contemplating collecting my own benefits instead of the survivor benefit. When am I eligible to get full benefit? Thank you Hello, If you were born in 1958 your full retirement age (FRA) is 66 and 8…

Full question: My husband died in August 2023. Am I eligible for his retirement when I reach FRA? Also would I be eligible for survivor benefits at FRA? I am still working and my husband was receiving Social Security benefits. Hi there, The benefit received after a spouse has died is a survivor benefit. Survivor…

Hi there, Yes, if eligible for both your own retirement benefits and survivor benefits, you may collect one benefit (even if it is a lower amount than the other benefit at the time you are collecting) and later switch to the other. This will allow a retirement benefit to increase all the way up to…

Full question: Why can I receive my deceased husbands railroad pension, but I cannot collect my Social Security that I paid into after working for over 30 years? Hi there, Railroad retirement and survivor benefits work with Social Security, not in addition to it. That means that the Railroad retirement benefit is subtracted from the…