I went to SS yesterday for different matter for another extended family member. I called SS when my husband passed and the woman on the phone explained all the different options. I am only 53 so I have a few years to wait. But she gave me a lot to think on this. Marilyn

I have found the local Social Security office very helpful when my husband died. Sharon

I need to go there, I still haven't recieved my husbands death benefit and he passed 4/23/12. I have been putting it off just don't want to deal with it.

I found the SS offices to be very kind and helpful after Steve passed. I wasn't old enough to draw his benefits at the time--I should be able to apply in about December since I will be 60 in March and they told me to apply 3 months ahead of time. I still work so don't know how much if anything I will draw but they explained how they calculate your benefit and when it is paid etc. They did tell me if I opt to retire before my full retirement age I can draw off of his until I reach retirement age and then draw my full benefit at retirement age. They also made me aware that if I opt to continue working after my full retirement age I can work and draw his benefit a the same time with no amount restrictions--interesting--although I don't anticipate wanting to work past retirement age lol.
As for the death benefit--mine was deposited in our checking account and I didn't even know it was there until later--my sister had the same experience when her husband passed. I did apply for it though--she did not--she assumed the funeral home did it for her.
At any rate, glad you found out you could draw more--I'm sure it will help.
Hugs

I receive SSI survivor benefits as do the 2 children under 16. Our 19 year old did not recieve and was not eligable for anything--including Pell, or other college loan help, medicare, medicaid. I thought that was a bit rough.

Under survivor benefits I will be allowed to make $X in earned income if I ever find myself "stable" enough to enter the workforce. Anything over and above said $X would be split between the 2 minors' benefit amount.

I went to my local office (before my move) and took care of everything there. They were very kind and compassionate---rather a surprise because some agents were not with others there. I suppose the situations were probably different. My caseworker walked me through everything (probably because I cried on her desk!) and followed through to make certain the benefits were released. (btw, I was 47 and Paul was 49).

Definitely explore your options here.

I was told the funeral home had applied for the one-time lump-sum death benefit for me, but after several months I hadn't received it so I called SS. They hadn't received a request, so they took the information then and there on the phone. They also asked a bunch of questions and told me that while I didn't qualify, because my younger son was diagnosed autistic and Cliff died while my son was still in school, that my son qualified for benefits as a disabled survivor. I am too young and my son was too old for me to qualify for benefits as his carer, but at least having my son receiving something helped a bunch. I receive nothing for me, and my older son was not diagnosed until after he left school, so we receive nothing for him either.

I was told I couldn't apply for widow benefits until I turn 60 and then only if I was single. I was widowed at 50. I remarried at 53, and I don't expect to get anything from Cliff's account, ever. Interestingly, if I die, SS will recalculate my son's benefits and give him whichever would be higher - based on mine or based on Cliff's - and likely it will be higher on mine.

I did have to produce documentation of my son's disability in an in-person meeting with a caseworker, and while I was warned by others that I would probably get turned down the first time, it was approved right away. I think the thing is to have your papers together and make it as easy as possible for the person on the other side of the desk to see what's what.

Love and Hugs,
Martha

A quick clarification of my situation: Your widow or widower who has not remarried can receive survivors benefits at any age if she or he takes care of your child who is under age 16 or is disabled and receives benefits on your record.

I have 2 under 16--rather an oddity in this day; 48 with a soon-to be 10 year old.

Didn't want to cause any confusion. :)

I have not contacted SS yet but I have looked at the website. I turn 60 next June and I understand I can start collecting my wife's soc sec but I think it says it will be discounted, not only by collecting it early but also based on my income. I make a good income. My question is that because I make a good income would it be worth me even trying to collect now? Did anyone have those discussions with your case worker?

Jeff, it's my understanding that you can collect both, but not at the same time. In other words, you can collect your wife's at partial benefits, then switch to yours when you reach full retirement age.

I would check with SS, but here's a link:

http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10084.html#a0=2

I will, thanks for the link.

I turned 60 in August. I went to SS office in April. I am collecting my late husbands social security. It started in Sept. Since I started collecting his at age 60 there was a reduction of his amount. I receive 71&1/2%. I will stay with his SS as mine would not be very much even though I have enough credits. Did not work much due to an illness I had for many years till The Lord Jesus healed me in 1993.

If you can not find your divorce papers or marriage license, you could inquire at the court house where you got them. You would have to get in touch with the PROTHONOTARY'S OFFICE of the court house. They have records.

My prayers are with you.
Hugs,
recentwidow

The reason I went back was because the SS clerk told me when I first applied for my husbands benefits that once I turned 62 I could receive my ex husband which amt was higher so i thought since I have been unable to find steady pt or ft job I would apply...see what happens I have a phone interview on the 15th...got my marriage liscens coming the SS office said I did not necessary need a certified one but got on any way I will go to our local county court house get copy of divorce there...boy long ago things but may helped $$$ if its true I qualify