Oct
17
2011
By Guest (not verified)
My husband died and he was receiving social security. I am 58 yrs old can I receive his social security benefit right now. That was our main income.
Widow benefits
As a widow, you can receive full benefits at full retirement age (66 for you), or reduced benefits as early as age 60. If you are a disabled widow, you can receive benefits as early as age 50.
http://www.ssa.gov/survivorplan/ww&os2.htm
Widow "too young" when husband passed away
My husband passed away when I was 57, at that time the SSA told me to come back and apply when I am 60 (this coming July).
He was on Disability SS, am I still eligible to receive survivor benefits and must I wait until my 60th birthday or after, in order to apply?
Since they already have all his information in their computers from my previous visit, what else must I take with me? Are there forms online that I can fill out and have ready?
Thank you
Applying for Social Security survivor (widow) benefits
Based on what you've stated, yes you should be able to apply for survivor benefits at age 60.
If you are collecting survivors benefits, you can switch to your own retirement benefits (assuming you are eligible and your retirement rate is higher than the widow rate) as early as age 62.
Note that delaying the start of survivor or retirement benefits will increase your monthly benefit once you start receiving benefits.
At this time, you cannot apply for survivors benefits online. To get an estimate and apply for benefits call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213.
http://www.ssa.gov/survivorplan/ww&os2.htm#retirement
http://www.ssa.gov/survivorplan/survivorchartred.htm
http://www.ssa.gov/survivorplan/1945s.html