Aug
30
2012
By Guest (not verified)
I am 61 and have been a widow for 8 years. I am considering retiring in a few months. My husband worked 30 + years up till his death. Can I find out through a phone call, or will I need to make an appointment to see what benefits I could start drawing from his SS - then picking up mine when mine has accumulated to a higher amount than his.
Determining surivor benefit amounts
You can telephone to obtain this information. To actually apply for survivor benefits you will need documentation such as a death certificate and marriage certificate.
You can get a quick estimate of your survivor benefits by entering your husband's estimated earnings in the following calculator :
http://www.ssa.gov/OACT/quickcalc/index.html