Full question: My friends husband passed 5 years ago and she was told she had to wait until she was 60 to apply for survivor benefits. She will receive $367 more a month but no back pay, why?

Hi there,

Yes survivor benefits can be collected as early as age 60, but at a reduced rate. Lump sum back payments are usually only given after someone has reached their Full Retirement Age and the SSA will only go back a maximum of 6 months.

All the best,
Martha

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