Mar
09
2012
By Guest (not verified)
My husband passed away when my son was 6 years old and my daughter was 4, they are now grown adults. I collected benefits for them and I until they were 18 years old. I am now 60 years old and I wondering if what I have been hearing is true. Am I able to collect what is called Widows Benefits or was the money I received while my children were growing up, all I am entitled to?
Survivors benefits for a widow
Yes, in all likelihood you will qualify for widow's benefits.
You can receive widow's benefits based on your age at any time between age 60 and your full retirement age as a survivor. However, if you start at an earlier age, your survivors benefits are reduced a fraction of a percent for each month before your full retirement age. Delaying receipt of benefits will increase your monthly benefit.
http://www.ssa.gov/survivorplan/survivorchartred.htm