Sep
19
2010
By Guest (not verified)
I'm 87 and receive SS benefits. My husband died 15 years ago - should I be receiving his SS benefits as well?
Not affiliated with the US Social Security Administration
I'm 87 and receive SS benefits. My husband died 15 years ago - should I be receiving his SS benefits as well?
Not affiliated with the US Social Security Administration
Survivor benefits vs retirement benefits
Social Security benefits for a widow age 62 or higher arise from basically two sources :
Assuming you notified Social Security of your husband's death, you should receive a combination of benefits that equals the higher amount. Note you'll receive the higher of the two -- not the sum of the two.
You will want to confirm directly with Social Security to ensure you're getting the correct benefit.
http://ssa-custhelp.ssa.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/371
http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10084.html#3