May
13
2011
By Guest (not verified)
My husband passed away 7 yrs ago at the age of 62 and I was 33 yrs old that time..we dont have any kids...we were married for 3 yrs only ...according to the SS person that i spoke before at their office that I am not entiled to any benefits right now coz' I have to wait ' till i reach the age of 50 and needs to stay single or else i will lose the benefits... I am 40 yrs old now ...I just want to know if the SS person gave me the right information...pls help me ..thank u..
Age requirements for widow's benefits
Yes, I would say what you heard from the representative is accurate.
It is possible to qualify for widow's benefits as early as age 50, but you will need to be disabled to get benefits at age 50.
Normally, you can start receiving reduced benefits at age 60. The longer you wait beyond age 60 the higher your monthly benefit.
In general, you cannot receive survivors benefits if you remarry before the age of 60 unless the latter marriage ends, whether by death, divorce, or annulment.
http://www.ssa.gov/survivorplan/ww&os2.htm