4 Secrets of Social Security Survivor Benefits 🤫

Understanding what happens to Social Security benefits in the event of a death is something that HAS to be understood and in today’s video, I’m going to tell you four things about survivor benefits that almost NO ONE is talking about.
🔥🔥 Get the Ultimate Social Security Cheat Sheet! It takes the essential information from the 100,000 page Social Security website and condenses it down to just one page! 🔥🔥
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🎤 If you're preparing for retirement or already enjoying it, you'll definitely want to catch my podcast, Big Picture Retirement. Your retirement's success hinges on seeing the "big picture" and tying together your legal, tax, and financial strategies. On the show, we dive deep to offer insights on effective planning, and I'm joined by my co-hosts - attorney John Ross and yours truly, financial planner Devin Carroll. www.bigpicture...
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Don’t miss my free online workshop, “How to Choose the RIGHT Age to File for Social Security.” In this workshop you’ll learn:
✔The Most Important Factors to Consider BEFORE You File for Benefits
✔How to Coordinate Your Social Security Filing Decision with Your Other Assets & Income for a Tax Efficient Distribution Strategy
✔Why This Is The Biggest Decision of Your Retirement
Access the workshop today at this link
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📜 HEAR YE HEAR YE: Some of my videos contain links to third party products, apps, and services. If you click through, I may receive a small referral fee to my media company (Carroll Media Properties) through their referral program. Rest assured, I only recommend products or services that I believe will be helpful and informative to my audience.
⭐⚠️⭐Please read this⭐⚠️⭐
⚠️I am not an attorney, SSDI advocate, or affiliated with the Social Security Administration or any other entity of the US Federal Government. I am a practicing financial planner, but I’m not YOUR financial planner and since I don’t really know you, I can’t give you advice. So please don’t take this video as specific advice for your specific situation. Consult your own tax, legal and financial advisors. 🙇🙇🙇🙇🙇
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[@DevinCarroll]

Download the Social Security cheat sheet here 🔥 devincarroll.me/sscheatsheetyt

[@maryward613]

Thank you!

[@donnalmich8398]

Thk you!

[@donnalmich8398]

I asked for the cheat sheet an hour ago, i never received it?

[@frannichols721]

@@donnalmich8398 by in

[@tanahudginspayne9173]

@@donnalmich8398 how do you get the cheat sheet? How do you put your email on his email list?

[@lajuanjackson671]

I agree. A widow or widower should be able to receive all of their spouses benefits, along with their own. Where does that money go? We could benefit from that money. It could really help a lot.

[@Migglefitch]

The feds steal it

[@Migglefitch]

It goes in Swiss bank accts under our congressmen, women, presidents, generals, and corporate amrikkka accts. It gets split and stolen

[@Stephanie12BGood]

I'm in the same situation.. my deceased husband is worked over 44 years.. it's said on what I received being a Widow

[@brendazona4492]

I totally agree with you, when I lost that money after my husband died it hurt really bad and it still hurts to this day.

[@jackr2323]

@@Migglefitch this is a lie. Social Security is akin to auto insurance or homeowners' insurance. If you don't have a qualifying event you don't get the money. You pay money for theft insurance. If you sell the car without it getting stolen you don't get the money back. If the car burns to the ground you don't get money back from the theft part of the policy. Lying about this giant Ponzi scheme doesn't make any sense when people are attempting to figure out what really happens to the money. It goes to those who have a qualifying event.

[@ConnieWilsonbricks101]

I agree, a spouse should be able to collect all of their spouse’s Social Security benefits.

[@Savannah-ed4rv]

I can't totally complain, but I think it's really unfair that a widow or widower cannot claim both benefits after full retirement age. My husband contributed to Social Security all his life until he died at 51. He was on disability a short time but never was able to access his retirement benefits. It's a total rip-off that someone being married to someone over 10 years can only claim one or the other and that's my beef with Social Security!

[@terryh1811]

Rip off

[@alicehines5902]

Yes I’m a survivor and we should be able to collect both the law should change I was married for 27 years and he died at 38 brain tumors

[@helenflorentino5231]

Do you mean 48?

[@sharonferree7662]

I only get my husbands and it's not 100 % which I think it should be who's getting the other percent of it? Because he paid in Max

[@sharonferree7662]

And I'm disabled

[@chrisanderson9157]

SS isn't a benefit, it's my damn money!

[@andreahughes6288]

Absolutely I agree!!

[@HARolette28]

Facts

[@cindys9858]

It's just a payment, by definition, chill. You are getting a payment of YOUR money. So yes it is a benefit.

[@chrisanderson9157]

@@cindys9858 No, it's not a benefit. It's theft! The whole idea of SS was to steal our money then kill us by various means in hopes we never get it back. Also, there is no interest gained. The Feds steal it then use it for other purposes. Probably gaining interest with it to keep it for themselves.

[@lorimenshew2033]

It doesn’t affect what you get… they just get 1/2 the amount

[@buck8055]

Thanks Devin. As a retired government employee, followed by 26 years as a financial advisor, I appreciate the time and effort you have put in on your videos. I retired some years ago and the 2016 rule changes on SS filing, as it relates to survivor benefits caught my eye. I just recently filed for my own benefit at 70. My wife is 10 years younger and has contributed into Soc. Security for over 40 years herself. Our situation requires a well thought out strategy in the event she has to employ a survivor strategy. Fortunately, our son took over my practice and we have all the software and calculators we need. Most people don’t have that type of information right at hand and you are providing a valuable heads-up. My wife also asked me to extend her thanks to you on this important topic. It’s not like SSA is likely to go back and catch or rectify a survivor’s filing status down the road.

[@mangot589]

The most terrifying time in any older persons life. We have been paying into this for our whole working life. . But I’ve been a homemaker for maybe 90% of my married life. But, caveat, the breadwinner has done OK. but ok then, is not the same as ok now. I’m petrified. I’ve also been hearing that “it’s going to run out” since I was 25. 80’s. Probably why I’m terrified . I fully expect to live in a shed. Nice.

[@AngelEyes-xm7el]

I am in a car. The amount can't even cover A apartment

[@vickicook8980]

My husband just passed last week. I can’t get hold of SS. I waited over a hour and they hung up on me. I need to report his death and file on his SS. Tyvm

[@PatricaKing]

Go to the SS office in person with death cert and marriage cert. You will get farther in person.

[@dollbabe2]

In most cases, the funeral home will notify Social Security of the death. You will still have to apply for benefit however.

[@catmac9192]

I walked into a local SS office in South Boston Va. I was in & out in 20 mins. They took all my info and copies of paperwork. Then set up for a phone call about 8 weeks later

[@openforumone]

Don't know where you live but the best way to do it and the way I did it is walk in to a social security office get your marriage certificate as well as the death certificate when you go moves along quicker 👍

[@christophergeorge8800]

YOU PUT THE SOCIAL IN OUR SECURITY. A GOD SEND TO US ALL. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CHANNEL.

[@hots4jc]

If a woman is 60 and is going to wait until her full retirement at 70, the government will have raised the age to 75. Hoping we will die before they have to pay our money back to us.

[@sodaratieng9507]

Rip off.

[@janettecarrell]

My Scenario. My husband died in 1992 at the age 52. I was age 49 at the time of his death. I didn’t start collecting ANY Social Security benefits until I was age 65, but this was using my surviving benefits on my husband’s SS. I continued to work until age 70 and was told by SS, to come back in and at that time switch to my own SS Benefits as it would be significantly higher. I did so, and yes it was significantly highly. Only some time later, I got a letter from SS saying I was overpaid by the tune of $5,200.00!! I had 3 ways to repay it. 1. Social Security would halt my monthly payment until said amount was paid back. 2. I could send a check to SS for said amount. 3. Have SS withhold an amount within a 2 year payment. I contested all 3 options and we settled with SS withholding $100/mo. For 5 years. I did that and now, after watching your video, it sounds like I should have been able to collect widows benefits from the time he died at age 52. That’s 16 years of benefits that I missed out on. Is it too late to go back and get this? I am now 80 years old!! I hope I can get an answer!

[@evelyntaylor4470]

I'm confused too. I started my SS process last month!!🤞

[@edhettwer7920]

You would have then needed to be at least 60 to draw on his if he's dead. Numbers are based on your age. At 67 would be your max or FRA if born before 1960.

[@phyllisgrounds3770]

@@edhettwer7920 .

[@robertlank8771]

You could have received spousal benefits at 50 and disabled or 60 and healthy so 5 years of payments you missed out on. They owe you but you will never get it.

[@lindawonderly5770]

My sister-in-law wanted to wait for the largest amount to sign up . She waited so long she died of cancer and lost all of the money she could have been helping her to live.

[@marybingham4173]

That is truly sad, and I’m sorry for your loss. That is exactly why I started drawing at 62. Know one knows how long we have to live.

[@despicabledavidshort3806]

That's so sad

[@lewcrowley3710]

Here's how it hasn;t worked for me, so far. I call the 800 number and wait on hold for 45 minutes. Someone finally comes on, I give them information, they say someone will call back in a week. 14 days later, I call again, and wait 30 minutes on hold. I finally speak with someone that takes my information, and says that someone will call back in 2 business days. 3 business days later, I call back. 25 minutes on hold. Finally I tell the person this is the third time calling, etc. They tell me about Covid, etc. After taking all my information, and putting me on hold, the person comes back and says I have a phone appointment scheduled 5 weeks later. I ask what happens then, I am told they will take my information and a decision will be made in a month or so. Forget going to any office I am told. SS is a mess.

[@alicedgilley7701]

I was on disability when husband died. I started receiving spousal benefits when I turned 50.

[@Suzanne-tt9vz]

Yeah same here

[@claudiahill2138]

Did you have to go through the whole disability review again?

[@Telcomvic]

Can you do a video (if you haven't already) on how benefits might change once both partners start collecting SS and one dies?

[@keiththompson933]

My father is 84 years-old in 2014 he passed away. I received my father social security survivors benefits.. I received both disability benefits and survivors benefits too.

[@JustMeB729]

​@Esther Romero I'm with you Esther. WHAT!!!

[@crystalrobbinsgreen5785]

They wouldn't let me collect both. Only one or the other.

[@sweetpeach6583]

How old were you when you collected your father's benefits,? Can an adult child collect if not disabled?

[@paulac7802]

Is that because he supported you?

[@crystalrobbinsgreen5785]

I've never heard of that and my Daddy was a vet and passed away. Kids quit getting it at 18 or 21 if still in college

[@jackiejohnsongafford9430]

My salary was more than my deceased spouses and I was told I could not draw survivors benefits. This seemed unfair to me. He died at age 42. I began drawing disability at age 48.

[@MrALBOBALBOB]

Devin - thanks for video...but..it appears most of the scenerioies in the video pertain to someone dying early in life, prior to normal retirement ages (60's). While I understand many people die young, I am guessing most (90%+) live well past age 60, and most are married to someone about the same age. I think it would be helpfull to a much greater number of people to explain various survivor strategies for spouses when at least one spouse has reached at least age 62 before dying,, and the other is at FRA or at least near age 60.

[@bryanbennett972]

I agree AB Kansas. I would like to know more about your scenario as well as mine below. My wife and I have already reached the "Senior Level" and all our Children are over age 35 and on their own now and would not be eligible for any of our benefits. I am currently 67 and retired getting my Full SS Retirement Benefit. My wife is 61 and still working and she plans to retire at her Full Retirement age of 67. If I am still kicking in six years when she retires at 67 I will be 73. Once we are both drawing our full SS benefits if I die after that time when I am 73, would she still retain her full SS Benefit and also be able to draw a Spousal Benefit from my passing away?

[@markdavis1116]

She would continue to get hers or your, which ever is higher, but not both

[@brucebuckeye]

Ouch my brain hurts! Glad you got this Devin!

[@dipaknadkarni62]

I am a widower who turns 62 this month. My wife died on active duty in 2014 when I was 55. I am now retired from the Navy for one year. I receive survivor benefits until I turn 70 when I will take mine. Is COLA also applied to survivor benefits. Thank you.

[@ideasmatter4737]

As I am a survivor, I am navigating these waters in real time. I am still working until I become Medicare eligible. Then I plan to take a benefit on my record and switch to my spouse’s at FRA which I understand is 66 and 10 months for survivors. The part I don’t understand is whether I should file on my record at 62 even though my benefit would be reduced because of my income. Is that a permanent reduction? That part of the numbers game just flies past me every time I try to understand it!

[@nicknaseman2632]

Another great video. I really appreciate you breaking down some of the complicated SS rules into easy-to-understand segments! Thanks!

[@cherylself4629]

My friend worked a civilian job at an Air Force Base. When she retired, she took an amount based on her ex husband’s SS, then when she reached full retirement age she switched over to her own. I can’t find the rule for that maneuver. If I am on my own SS, and now am 72, is it possible to switch over to my ex husband’s SS at this point?

[@buyerbware25]

If you were married to him for at least ten years, you should call Social Security and find out how much you would get by collecting on his account. Get his Social Security number before calling.

[@esterescobedo4949]

I just turned 70. My husband passed in 2011. I've collected his SS since then. Of course, he worked longer (ret) from the company at a higher rate of pay and hours collected altogether... Would it be wise to switch to my own if amt is higher?? Or, will I lose his benefits from his work pension? I'm confused as it is, with all these confusing offers from the medicare insurance supplement plans. A different matter, same problem, choosing what's best and wise!! 🤔

[@maryhoward4219]

I have full benefits based on my deceased spouse - Fed, Military, SS and TRICARE/Medicare. BUT if I remarry I loose it all! If new spouse dies or divorce- I can not reclaim lost benefits! This is designed to stop marriage. Not supposed to live together either! 🤡

[@SaysWho1013]

Actually, if you’re older than 57 you can remarry and still collect your military and your TRICARE I wonder why I don’t have Medicare as well. I do have TRICARE I do receive DC and Survivor pension

[@kerriewalker368]

My husband died at age 27. I am over 60 now. Are you saying I could claim survivor benefits? I did receive SS for my children and myself until our youngest child was 16.

[@captainkrunch6372]

My sister got remarried but then got divorced and recieved her survivor benefits from deceased 1st husband.

[@daisydukes8252]

Talk to social security and find out.

[@SaysWho1013]

Yes u can

[@sodaratieng9507]

It is too confusing! Why don’t lawmakers make it easy for working people to get their benefits? Both were working , they should get both when one died! This is the kind of rip off to give it too the people that never worked!

[@user-di2on5gl2d]

They should've allowed it to cover funeral expenses too. I had to pay for it out of own pocket. Took 8 1/2 years to pay off debt! 😢

[@Dee-iu2co]

What if the wife takes SS Benefits at an early retirement of 62 and the husband takes SS Benefits when he is fully retired at 67? How would they calculate the survivor benefits?

[@MrALBOBALBOB]

it all depends which ones dies first and when, etc. Assuming husband had the higher benefit, when he dies the wife would then switch over to survivor and get whatever amount he was getting, but that assumes she has by then reached FRA. If not, normally it's best for her to continue to receive her benefit until she reaches FRA and then SWITCH over to survivor benefit.

[@dionnecarmona7722]

Hi Devin. Great and informative video as always. Greetings from New York City to you. Thank you!

[@deborahharvey9343]

Recently divorced at 64. (Married 25 years). My now ex-spouse took early retirement at 63 . (I'm waiting for FRA 66.8 or at 70.) Would I qualify for his FRA benefit once I reach FRA or half of his early benefit rate?

[@beckydavis4958]

My daughter is 40 and her husband of 16 years passed away this year at 52. She has MS and is finally accepting that she needs to take disability. I don't understand if she can get SSDI using his benefits or if she just has to get SSI and wait over 20 years to apply for actual SS using her husband's benefits. So confusing! She's trying to figure it out too, of course, but I'm trying to help ...

[@darinfisher989]

If she gets full disability 100% disabled she gets whatever she would have got at age 67 now

[@MelissaCoup]

Devin can u do a video on Survivor benefits, the changes with the bill that just passed? It'st's not set in stone but I feel it will remain, Thank you so much for all you do

[@anneramirez6612]

How long does it take for Surviving Spousal benefits to begin once all documents are submitted & approved? The website says 2 to 4 wks. I'm already approved but waiting.

[@Utx55]

Thanks Devin. Great info to know!

[@carolfisher9941]

My husband was on social security disability prior to his death at 59 yrs old, I had just turned 60. Can you do a calculation using this type of information to calculate best times to use widower benefits?

[@kimberlycrutchfield2076]

You get 82.5%

[@marymacdonald2379]

I am amazed how many spouses think they should get two checks when their spouse dies. Having worked from age 18 until age 67, through that period there were great work opportunities for both men and women. Seems for my generation and later ones everyone had the opportunity to earn plenty of Social Security and set aside additional retirement funds for themselves.

[@luannkelly-rudd6761]

I am amazed you actually said that! People have put their hard money into social security all their working life. It should be considered as an asset that the living spouse should receive.

[@angelabluebird609]

Mary, you aren't taking into consideration that no, not, "everyone," had opportunity to earn, "plenty," of SS, nor set aside extra retirement funds. I started working when I was 14, and am still working part time. PS Those who did not earn high salaries receive SS amounts that will not sustain them.

[@daisydukes8252]

I agree. People don’t save anything and expect the government to support them in their later years. They should have social security, retirement, savings, investments, family, etc.

[@debray7681]

You don't want went on in others life stop the judgement 😮 see

[@kellyyork3898]

Be careful when talking to SSA employees in person or over the phone. Sometimes they don’t realize your spouse ( or ex spouse if you were married for 10 years or more ) is deceased. And they will start planning your benefits as if you are divorced and your spouse is still alive. Of course, they are giving you all the wrong info. So many SSA employees know nothing about benefits for ex spouses ( who were married for 10 years or more ) who are alive after their ex spouse dies. And they know nothing about how to coordinate those benefits with your own. Get help before you sign anything.

[@keiththompson933]

I received disability benefits since I was 15 years-old in 1994. Now I am 44 years-old middle-aged man from Atlanta, Georgia. I received survivors benefits from my father benefits since I was 35 years-old in 2014 since my father passed away in March 14, 2014. My father is in Rest In Peace 🙏 🪦..

[@dcg590]

Since 15? Scam

[@laurieann5312]

Why were/are you able to claim survivor's benefits on your father when you were 35?

[@user-is6de8pp7k]

Why didn’t you get a job? Rather then scamming taxpayers. Gezzzzzzzzzzzzzz.

[@sodaratieng9507]

@@laurieann5312, could be bcos he is disable?

[@evelyntaylor4470]

Just because someone doesn't look disabled doesn't mean they don't have a disability!

[@Karelife]

My husband died at 21. I get survivor’s benefits and I’m 68. We where only married 3 years and have 1 daughter age 49. I gag 1, 172 a month.

[@imahick5723]

And you've been drawing for 47 years? And you're complaining? You could have filled up your own benefits in those years had you gotten a job. You made your bed now you lie in it

[@stevebarrons3215]

Mr. Carroll I have always enjoyed your informative videos. thank you for the time and effort you put forth on our behalf , I would like to get your opinion about my Social security ? Currently I receive survivor benefit after my wife passing and I turned 60.. I am now 65 years old and my full retirement age is 66 and 4 months. The difference is my benefit will be about 1,000 more than I receive now as a survivor benefit..I am in good health and see no problem reaching the 66 and 4 months threshold ,. The SSA increase will not move me from my current tax bracket. I would appreciate your exert opinion .. Thank you Sir.

[@cyndiwatanabe7439]

I was 38 when my 64 yr old spouse died 21 years ago. I was told I couldn’t collect his benefits until I retired. Is that correct??? A friend told me I should be able to collect his benefits now.

[@flacodanny7369]

Thank you, keep up the good work.

[@jimfones5169]

Can you speak about survival benefits for a divorced spouse. And is it possible to receive a benefit after the spouse has remarried to receive a spouse’s benefit from a past marriage.

[@phish_1]

I know a Filipina who married an old man who just passed away! She collected the survivor benefits!

[@JoAnnCarpenter815]

I have a question. My fiancé is incarcerated & will soon be home, his FRA was 66 years old (he’ll be 70 in January). Also, his work history from age 16-27. The staff at the prison told him to file for SSI, also said he’d receive a lump sum. Can you please explain possible scenarios for him. Thanks so much!

[@sinebar]

He only worked 11 years so any SS he gets is going to be very small and SSI is only for the disabled.

[@markdavis1116]

So he has a 10yr work history? He isn’t going to receive very much from SSI, and it Definitely WONT be a lump sum. Sounds to me like he has been talking to a jailhouse lawyer.

[@sherryholcomb2469]

I believe that since he had no work history after age 27 & is still living then he has lost the work credits making him eligible for social security and would then need to file for S.S.I. Which is Not Actually Social Security Benefits since The Payments into the Program to be eligible for Either Disability or Retirement have not been paid so the requirements aren’t met. SSI is an Indignant Welfare Program that the Social Security Administration Handle’s for People Who qualify for Welfare

[@venegasenmerida6307]

Call the SS office & ask

[@dcg590]

So you picked someone who’s in jail, aren’t married and still want handouts?

[@kellieroth1710]

Thank you! I'm 63 and my husband died in December 2020. I want and need survivor benefits! I'm still working and plan to until 66 and 6 months. Can I still receive survivor benefits as well as my own?

[@kellieroth1710]

Ps,.. he was 57 at death

[@Twink1956]

No. You can only collect one benefit, not both

[@youngtimer964]

Debra is correct but you can receive the higher of the two benefits.

[@Twink1956]

@@LarryNewmanSusanNewman I was told by SSA that you can switch from one to the other but you cannot get both. SS will give you the higher of the two.

[@chuck5761]

@@LarryNewmanSusanNewman Technically, you continue to receive your own benefit, plus the excess from the survivor benefit. So the total you receive is the larger of the two, not the sum.

[@shirleya.abesamis4481]

God send your video to me..Am I qualified as a spousal survivor?..My ex husband died last 2014 and we are married 1991..we divorced 2007 and we have 3 kids and my youngest child having mental disability. I am now 61 years old and stop working for a year to take care my youngest child .Am I qualified qualified to apply for a survivor benefit from my ex husband he work more than 10 years .hoping I got answers from you ..more power and God bless.

[@sueharris6616]

As always very good detailed informative information

[@sandygrider5132]

I have been collecting widows benefits for 3 yrs. I'm 63 now. I want to make sure I understood you correctly. I can apply for my own Social security at either 65 or 70 is that correct?.

[@Katarina6532]

Yes but they won't let you collect yours and his..you will get the higher amount..

[@jasontiver3302]

I have a widower and have been receiving disability since 2018. I'm now 61. Now my disability is based on my income. I have always wondered that when I turn 65 and my disability turns into regular social security can I file under my wife. Now, she only had a 23-year work history, but always made a lot more money than me. It's a question I'm probably better off asking social security when the time comes.

[@Myeyeofthebeholder]

Yes

[@74the_magpie]

I’m collecting my husbands who passed in 2012. Yes if she passed, you can at 62.

[@ariefraiser140]

You can file for spousal benefits once your wife files for social security. If she hasn't filed yet you can't. The spousal benefit would be the equivalent of 50% of her benefit. Meaning if she gets $2500 /month at full retirement age you will get $1250/month. However if she files early at 62 and gets a reduced check of $1800/month you will receive $900/month. If she doesn't file until age 70 she will receive she will get a monthly check of about $3250. However your calculation will still be based on her full retirement age check of $2500 so you still will get $1250/month.

[@venegasenmerida6307]

You can file at 60 as a widower

[@laurimacrone6503]

My mom got my dad's benefits because he died.

[@kaysimpson8253]

I started drawing my deceased husband's and later was given the choice to switch to mine which had growing. After receiving his for about 15 yr (while his has been increasing), can I revert to his benefits? If not, where is HIS money?

[@cynthiaontiveros9401]

Good reporting and analysis of the survivors benefits. Those who were divorced fall short of benefits and many others will not qualify simply because they didn't remarry or wasn't married long enough. As far as what I remember. Lol. 🤷🏽

[@cynthiaontiveros9401]

Thank you Devin.

[@sandbabe2245]

I was married 9years and 8 months he screwed me over just right

[@dori4567]

Excellent video , you explained a lot of things I have questions about, in a way I can understand , thank you

[@catamazing5631]

I don't understand any of this. It is confusing. My husband died after working many years. When I applied for survivors benefits the SSA told me since I made more money than my husband did that I could not get those benefits. I did not understand that. So I got nothing but my own social security check. Why was that? We were both in our sixties. I am now 76.and have no survivors benefits. I don't get it Can you help me?

[@July.4.1776]

You either get your own or the other not both or SS would be broke tomorrow if everyone collect on dead spouses while collecting their own. Think about it.

[@brendagreen7244]

I have a granddaughter that her father has died. The mother has lost rights. We have adopted this child. She receives benefits from her dead father. Should we get benefits because we are raising the child? Does that go away because we adopted her?

[@Blessedhomeschoolinggrannyof1]

I have adopted my granddaughter. She gets benefits and so do I because I’m raising her.

[@harrisonchevy4452]

Great informative video Devin, thanks so much.

[@carrieweaver6161]

I have a question that I cannot find the answer to. Could you help me? I was married to my first husband for 36 years, he passed away at age 60 when I was only 51, We got divorced before he passed away. I later got remarried but the marriage only lasted for 5 years. Now I know that the rules say that I have to be divorced from my first husband for 2 years before I can start collecting benefits at age 60, but do I have to be divorced from my second husband for 2 years before I can collect benefits on my now deceased first husband?

[@SusanWilsonDavis]

My husband of 35 years was drawing full retirement benefits at the time of his death three years ago. I am still unmarried and will be 60 next year and plan to apply for survivor benefits. Will my benefit amount be a percentage based on the benefits he was receiving at the time of his death or will that percentage be based on the value of his credits (and include the increase in COLA)?

[@venegasenmerida6307]

Did you get your answer?

[@michaelprinaris2250]

You get about 70% of his ssa for survivor and 100 % when you reach retirement age ..

[@lesliestuart-ferguson8726]

I never got the Cola raise!. They say I don't qualify for "Flex card im not getting crap thru survivors benefits. I'm only receiving 516.00. (They kept 20.00 for medicare) Because they can...needless to say I'm living on 20.00 a wk for food.

[@angelabluebird609]

@@lesliestuart-ferguson8726 There are food banks in my area, some community based, some faith based. Some only ask your age and number/ages of people in your household. This determines the amount of food. Others ask lots of info to find any and all help you may qualify for. I hope you can find such resources near you, as $20.00 per wk is obviously not enough for food. Take good care!

[@despicabledavidshort3806]

​@@lesliestuart-ferguson8726you can apply for food stamps and the Medicare savings program, which will at the very least give you the $20 back

[@shelleyclay1732]

I lost my husband to a hit n run accident, I worked 40 years he worked 40 years but I lost half my income but they will only give me 1 amount it's not right, I'am in the street now because I couldn't pay everything.

[@creativitybycarilyn6634]

Do you have to be married for a certain amount of years before you are eligible for widow benefit? What are the rules/requirements? For example, married for 7 years and spouse dies and has not remarried. Person's own work history is very low. Is that person eligible for survivors benefits??

[@khicks69]

Devin, I’m divorced, married for 37 years. I’m told that his social security benefits will be my SSI. Is this true?

[@__hjg__2123]

Interesting - but, I've yet to find a video simply explaining how someone already collecting benefits less than their spouse can/should file for Survivor benefits after the death of the spouse - the steps to follow and what the process and likely timing will be.

[@ashfaqshaikh3915]

Excellent explanation

[@bedolla1956]

I have a question. I was married to my first husband for twenty years. He was employed all of that time. He never has remarried but I have. My Question is when my ex-husband passes away will I be eligible to collect his social security even though I’m married ?

[@LarryNewmanSusanNewman]

It doesn't matter that he never remarried, it matters that you did. Remarrying before age 60 disqualifys you.

[@bedolla1956]

@@LarryNewmanSusanNewman Oh Darn !! Thank You for the clarification.

[@lanagoodman1194]

"I think " the new marriage only disqualified you if you were under 60 when you married again ."I Think " you regain qualification if you divorce or become widowed from 2nd spouse. Not sure about it, but certainly worth checking out!!

[@captainkrunch6372]

My sister was remarried and got divorced then recieved widow benefits fron deceased 1st husband, I believe you just can't be married at time if filing.

[@tomcoleman4186]

Marriage benefit has parameters for ex spouses, have to have been married 10 years minimum

[@YomeidaGarza-ku4dx]

WHAT IF YOUR AL REDY GETTING THRÈ CHECKS FROM THE GOVERMENT

[@kite6864]

can you make a video on the work rules for survivor's benefits? it seems they are different than regular SDDI. are work rules different for widows and for dac receiving benefits under a deceased parents?

[@sweetmelody9985]

Social security don't tell us what we should apply for. Even how we are able to benefit from. My husband passed away 2 mons ago he was 70 yrs. He was receiving $1,639.00 I started at 58 to collect I am now 64 going to 65 yrs old. In 4 mons. I called right away social security about my husband. I asked them what do I have to do to receive my deceased husband spousal benefits. They told me since he passed away that I need to return that $1639.00 back I ask why? They said they will call me . That I will get nothing the first 3 months. So I'm living on my $496.00 amonth. What do u think is going to happened? Thank you Signed Maria. Please help me where I can ask the proper questions, or else they will not point out exactly what I'm untitled for.

[@July.4.1776]

All these people complaining if your single your entire life none of this matters.

[@stevenmoomey2115]

What I’m miffed at is when I die, my wife will not get any of my Social Security, benefits, despite 50 + years of marriage. The reason is she’s under the old Federal Government Employee System, and doesn’t have enough credits on her own. BTW, she would have lost benefits, if she had switched to the new system.

[@embededfabrication4482]

mom (divorced) is getting dad's survivor benefits now. is she taking what the witch (widow) would have been getting or does she get a survivor benefit too? As long as mom stays alive she's takin her SS survivor benefit??

[@amiorproductions7640]

My husband died in 1999 at age 60. I was43 at the time. How do I obtain his Social security wages for his working since age 20 so I have at least some idea ballpark of my survivors benefit. I currently am FRA and using my own benefit from my work history, Thank you!

[@chuck5761]

You can call social security and ask them for information about your survivors benefit, but not about his work history.

[@pamelariley6694]

Ss office can & will print your husband's life work history. They have the info your looking for. just ask, I did.

[@MagnumVideos]

Great video, but I still am confused regarding how they calculate survivor benefits: Is it just the benefit amount that the deceased worker was getting per month? My wife just passed away, and she was receiving retirement benefits equal to about 1/3 of my retirement benefit amount. Do I have the option of keeping my own retirement amount or will they change it to her amount (1/3 of mine)? Or is there another calculation that goes into it to make the survivor benefit something more equitable? Or do you just take the loss and keep your own retirement benefit. I have search SSA websites and can't find the answer. I hope you can provide some info on this. I'm worried.Thank you so much.

[@NasimAkhtar-uy6lb]

In your cheat sheet - Computation for 85% taxable on SS Income has some confusion in Adjusted gross income. Adjusted Gross Income means 1040 AGI. It should be adjusted wages !!! Otherwise does not make sense!

[@venzevans8648]

Yesss I am a surviving spouse of a retired u.s. navy.. my late husband died at 60years old.. I'm a Filipina from Phillipines.. the social security told me that I can't get the social security benefits of my late husband if I can't go to U.S.A.. how can I go their.. I don't have enough budget for that

[@sandraharper8112]

Can you still switch to your on SS benefit if you recieve the survivors benefit after age 70 because you are still working.

[@74the_magpie]

The SS sent me a letter saying I’m getting less in 23. Im collecting my deceased husbands benefit for 11 years. It’s not much but helps. I think they used the sale of my home in 21 to say I made more money. I rolled that extra into a new home. But now I get less SS. I’ve had federal bc bs for years, and they say I’ve got Medicare part D. I called Medicare and they say no you only have A and b. Im totally confused why I get less when my income is only 24k. I feel they created some loophole. Gross adjusted income is used?? Still doesn’t add up.

[@crystalrobbinsgreen5785]

If you get more than 1200.00 a month then you only get a and b and they usually take around 170.00 off your check to pay for them. It has to be less money to get part c and d also. I do have all but I only get 940 a month, plus I don't pay for it

[@gduran9236]

Thank this is complicated. Quick question, are survivors benefits subject to an earnings test or are such benefits based on the decedent’s earnings?

[@KentsWatching]

Devin , on your 2024 cheat sheet it indicates that the minimum age to be eligible for survivor benefits is 66 years old . Is this accurate, or have I gotten confused ? Top left box on the diagram. I was under the impression you could collect survivor benefits at 60 years old and 50 years old if disabled . Please clarify. Thanks!

[@loripicarella2488]

If the husband and wife have both worked enough to collect SS then why can’t you collect from both? Especially if you’ve been married for over 50 years. It doesn’t sound fair.

[@jscott7348]

I have 30 years working towards SS. The last 10 years I have received 0 for each year I have not worked. If my estimated benefit would be say 1800 at 62 how much more would it benefit me to work a part time job to get to 35 years. Basically I’m just wondering how much of a difference it would make. If it’s not much than it would be worth. Please let me know what you think. Thanks!

[@susanstewart7663]

Please explain how SSB works if Surviving Spouse is 62 and drawing Benefits and Deceased Spouse was only 60. Is she eligible for survivor's Benefits and when?

[@txtweety99]

What if my husband was on social security disability when he died at 60. I get survivors but how do I know if I got the right amount

[@maryjackson6284]

My husband of 35 years died so I called ss to find out if I was to send back his check. So I ask her what about me and she said it couldn't recieve anything until I turned 62 so I never received anything for being Married 35 years and raising 3 children with him.

[@sharon268]

You can collect at 60 if you do not remarry before 60

[@tabden]

Thanks for all your videos, Devin! My adult disabled child is currently drawing on the survivor benefits from her father's death. I am 63 and still working full time at the moment. If I choose to retire at 65, how is the survivor benefit split between the two of us?

[@marthamyers3182]

My disabled daughter and I both receive full survivors benefit after my ex husband died.

[@kellir.747]

Disappointed that divorced surviving spouse qualifications weren’t mentioned.

[@cheryldenkins1597]

My ex husband died several months after I turned 60. I applied for, and get, a widow's pension. We were married 25 years, divorced for 12. Neither remarried.

[@danfischer518]

My husband died at age 61. I had to quit my job to get survivors benefits. If I make more than $17k per year, SS gets $1 for every $2 I make over that amount. I can live on this until I hit 67 years of age.

[@davidleonard4925]

Im sorry for your loss. You can get survivors benefits even if you work. The earnings limit for 2023 is $21,240.For example lets say your survivor benefit is $15,000 per year. Next lets say you earn$31,240. You have earned $10,000 over the limit so yes its true based on that that you will lose $5,000 of the survivor benefit So your total income would be$41,240 ( $31,240 plus $10,000 )

[@danfischer518]

@@davidleonard4925 , I am going off the letter that the SSA sent me. But, thank you for your information. 🙂

[@donttakethebait]

As my dad would always say, ‘That was as clear as mud’.

[@chiquoikha5160]

Where suspend check goes?

[@toreckman8899]

You’re dad wasn’t very bright then. It made complete sense. Let me guess, he blamed all his failures on others.

[@charms87]

Just a reminder that the full retirement age for a widow or widower is slightly different than for the general population.

[@ctaylor2311]

what is the slight difference for full retirement for a wido

[@MsBizzyGurl]

What?! I haven't seen this before!

[@penelope5500]

@@MsBizzyGurl A person's FRA is their FRA...that does not change. What is different for a widow/widower is that they can start survivor benefits at 60.

[@lovetrucks4212]

@@penelope5500 60 he says herein

[@laurreneberry3480]

I will re watch this good information.

[@dsmlady48]

What happens if you were married for 25yrs and divorce and he is remarried? Then who gets it?

[@maemae5873]

I am a widower and receive no survivors benefits....my hubby died at 47 he was on disability I'm 46 so only my 16yr old got benefits and my 22yr old did not....so is that correct?

[@ebonythomas2369]

Your 22 is grown Now your 16 teen till in school thats way he or she gets a check

[@joan21498]

Devon I was married to my second wife for 17 years. She passed away last year 2022. I’m remarried to another woman a house wife never worked. Do I or can I receive survivors benefits if her social security if it’s higher then mine. I’m 71 right now I started social security disability ins early. I know hers would be higher then mine. She worked all her life. Gary

[@irene-by7we]

The question I have is can children in school can they draw a check based on their mother becoming disabled.?

[@seatkinson890]

I am getting survivor benefits this year from my husband's 32 year teaching career. I just turned 60 years old in December. I also work full time and I was able to drop working weekends and putting in overtime. Now, my benefit has "been suspended" because I'm working? I understand that some benefits are reduced for those of us who are working, based on last year's earnings, but what if I reduced my working hours because I get the widow benefits?

[@bonnieanderson5865]

Thankyou so much. Such a blessing!

[@NeverBasicNikki]

Can you tell me how child in care benefits are affected my living parents income? What are the income limits?

[@kateharrop4905]

Devin Carroll: I am receiving a settlement from a car accident soon, do I need to report it to Social Security? I am also selling my house, do I need to report that as well? I am on Survivors Benefits.

[@3864ist]

thank you for the cheat sheet :)

[@debbieh8582]

How would I know if SS Admin calculated my survivor benefit with the Windex method or not?

[@debbieallen8496]

Did you find out the answer to your question?