Social Security Survivor Benefits Explained: What Widows & Widowers Must Know

[@loakland2773]

Thank you Erin... Excellent video..... A truly difficult subject to talk about but very important for everyone to know and understand..... The moral of the story is enjoy life and your spouse - as the cliche goes "Life is too Short" and we all think there will be a tomorrow.... I lost my wife after she just turned 48 after her tortourous 5-year battle with breast cancer. I was 47 and devastated. We were going to ride into the future after 55 years of age together and enjoy our retired lives. I had to navigate this SS program for the spousal benefit. The personnel at SS are very cordial and kind and provide great information. I highly suggest if someone experiences a loss of a spouse - schedule an appointment with SS office and go and speak with them in person. Thank you Erin for any excellent channel on Finance.... Be well....

[@benjaminchaston7202]

So sorry for your loss.

[@ErinTalksMoney]

Great advice, thank you for being vulnerable enough to share some of your experiences, and I’m so sorry for your loss, and the pain that you and your wife had to go through. I wish you all the best. ❤️

[@paulawiggins4876]

So so sorry for your loss

[@Trudi-br2rs]

@loakland2773 --- I feel your loss and am deeply saddened. I have a similar question and it's hard to navigate with the SSA: My late spouse passed away in 2003 (age 33). I remarried before age 50, but that marriage ended in divorce (1.5 year marriage - ended 2018). Since 2018, I have remained unmarried. If I continue to remain unmarried until age 60, can I collect on my deceased husband's SS at age 60 or 67?

[@larryjscott]

A difficult topic gently and thoughtfully handled. Thank you.

[@MrGrumpy1]

Erin always makes complicated money topics easier to understand. I appreciate that.

[@ErinTalksMoney]

Thank you so much! 😊

[@zeldyrrolorin9962]

Not a topic that is relevant for me but I let it play all the way through and hit the thumbs up since you said that helps the most. Comment for the algorithm, even if that doesn't help so much.

[@ErinTalksMoney]

Thank you! 🙏 I knew this would not be the best performing video - BUT, some people left questions on the subject, and I genuinely wanted to answer them. Thank you for your support!

[@Litquidity26]

Great video! Thanks for the explanation

[@ld5714]

Good morning Erin. This was an excellent discussion of all the various nuanses involved with Suvivior Benefits. I am certian this will be helpful to many of your listeners. Keep up the great content and have a blessed week. Larry, Central Valley, Ca.

[@shawnbrennan7526]

Good attempt at explaining a very complicated topic. I think the bottom line is: we really do need to talk to a professional when we get close to claiming any SS benefits - and that does NOT mean whoever answers the phone at the SSA.

[@FIRED13]

Totally agree. Devin Carroll mentioned numerous times over the years how SS reps dont always do things correctly

[@shawnbrennan7526]

@@FIRED13 It isn’t that they don’t do things “correctly”. It is that they are pretty much trained to only do what you ask them to do. They can’t run simulations or options analysis to give you recommendations.

[@dawndarling2277]

​@@shawnbrennan7526I wish that were it....SS has nearly a 30 percent vacancy with no relief in sight. Bad info coming out of the SS offices like you wouldn't believe.

[@frontiermusings]

Not everyone needs a “professional“ to help make these decisions. It’s not rocket science. You do you.

[@shawnbrennan7526]

@@frontiermusings Up to you, but I wouldn’t DIY this one. Any reputable financial advisor (which you should have anyway) can run the options for you. Your wife will thank me.

[@michelleksquared9754]

Thank you for spelling these benefits out, because this is very confusing. I am so glad I found your channel

[@ErinTalksMoney]

Thanks for watching!!

[@samuelotto7418]

Honestly this is perfect example of when you reach your fifties/sixties of why you need a financial advisor. As Erin explained there are so many nuances to this and a wrong decision can cost you a lot of money. Best to work with a professional who knows your person situation.

[@patrickcrispo6132]

Thank you, Erin. ❤️ All your videos are very informative, but this one especially hits home. As a recent widower, this video is SO helpful in navigating and explaining one of the lesser known issues we have to deal with.

[@ErinTalksMoney]

I'm so sorry for your loss! ❤️ I'm so glad this video was helpful!

[@williamdonovan2904]

This was very helpful, thank you! My wife passed at age 49, and she earned full SS benefits. However, since I am in a state pension plan where my employer does not pay into SS, as of this moment I can receive NONE of my last wife's SS benefit. This is true even though I am now 60 and I only became a public school teacher in my mid-40s, and I paid into SS for my whole work life up to my mid-40s. This policy is known as the GPO, or government pension offset. Right now in Congress the House has already passed the Social Security Fairness Act that would fix this ridiculous policy, and now it's in the hands of the Senate. If the Senate does not vote on it by 12/31/24, the bill will expire. Only 1% of SS recipients is in my position, so it's not a top priority apparently, but still, let's encourage the Senate to pass this bi-partisan bill to fix a stupid policy.

[@gosman949]

many teachers in the state of Texas are in this same position unless they took the retire/ rehire loophole that was closed years ago.

[@vanru2176]

I am also in your position. Chuck Schumer agreed today to have a vote on the Senate ASAP. 🙏

[@gosman949]

@@vanru2176 oh no! I thought we heard the last from Schumer!

[@tt-bs7rr]

So if we retire with TRS, then comes time for spousal SS and / or survival ss benefit we WILL NOT get any spousal and or survival ss unless they pass the bill ?? Can I not take TRS and wait to get my spousal which is more Thanks

[@edhettwer7920]

I heard the bend points for those in this position to be far more favorable than those for the rest of us. How fair is this?

[@DavidKnicks]

Always so thorough and professional. Thanks as always Erin. I would only be interested in the survivors benefit for my daughter if anything happens to me

[@Alex-rx9rc]

Thanks for the clear information. Have been trying to understand this for awhile.

[@tennesseenana4838]

I wish I'd know all of this years ago. My husband passed away suddenly when he was 59. We had already retired but he hadn't claimed his SS yet since he'd started his own 'after retirement' business. We were living on our retirement income and not SS. I was not working then and had already started receiving my SS since I was older. I went into the SS office to talk with them; however, my head and emotions weren't exactly functioning correctly at that time. I just did what was recommended and hoped for the best. Long story short, I'm doing OK now and able to live comfortably on the SS check alone without any help from our retirement account.

[@kristent6777]

Thank you for the useful information. It was explained very clearly.

[@kathypeiffer3103]

Thank you for this topic. Having older parents, it's good to know some options for when one of the parents have to go through this.

[@rickcampbell7630]

Very thorough job at explaining a complex benefit , your examples were easy to understand thanks

[@trackguy4038]

Can you do a video on how you shop smart and save on everyday items such as getting the best use of Costco and Sam's Club?

[@nathanyoder4509]

Great job with this video Erin👏

[@md168]

Nice share of info ❤

[@silviaadvis1889]

Great video a little complicate very important to know and understand how Social Security works

[@charletfoster8917]

Thank you!!! I got a lot of information from this video🙏🏿😊💎

[@ErinTalksMoney]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ihadtosayit10]

I lost my husband just before my 58th birthday. I then waited 2 plus years and claimed widows benefit at age 60. I also qualify for Social Security on my own at age 62, early, age 67, on time and 70, for maximum benefit payment. It works best for me to remain on widows benefit until age 70 and then switch to my own Social Security benefit.

[@2000mcclin]

I lose my husband 2023 2 days before my 57 birthday I'm 58 will be 59 in January 2025. Can I apply around November next year or do I hath to wait until January when I turn 60 to apply for survivor benefits

[@ihadtosayit10]

@@2000mcclin I had to wait until 3 months before my 60th birthday to apply for the Social Security survivor benefit. This meant I got my first check the month following my 60th birthday the very earliest I could receive my first payment.

[@penelope5500]

@@2000mcclin Yes, I think you can apply in Nov. for Jan. benefits. SS will take a claim about 3 mo's. early.

[@glfarwell]

My wife and I are 74. My wife took her benefit at FRA, while I waited to 70. Assuming I die first, will my wife be able to assume my full benefit after my death. I waited to 70 because I thought it might become beneficial to her after I died.

[@michaelperone5094]

I have the same question.

[@penelope5500]

Yes, should you predecease your wife she would be eligible for the delayed credits that you waited until 70 for.

[@johng.5]

Hey Erin, great video. My sister is getting survivor benefits till age 70 then will claim her own. What a deal. I would like to hear about the benefits to the kids.

[@daynahadden8446]

I would like to hear about children’s survivor benefits too

[@christiansailor2880]

Thanks, Erin!

[@chuckwright6395]

Thank you for the Information. I have been wondering about this as I grow older, and what would happen to my wife if I pass first.

[@ErinTalksMoney]

I hope this was helpful, and I hope you both have many happy and healthy years ahead! ❤️

[@dallison1961]

It must have been a really smooth recording session for this video. No bloopers!

[@ErinTalksMoney]

There were definitely bloopers - but I didn't think it would be appropriate based on the topic. 😊

[@kamikochi12]

A widow is always a woman. A widower is a man.

[@robinbirdj743]

There’s no mention of COLA. Is there no inflation adjustment yearly on Survivor benefits?

[@TheStscs]

Hey Erin, Great video. One question and Im sorry if you mentioned this and i just missed it. Let's say I retired at 70, would my wife be able to claim my benefit based on age 70 dollars or would the benefit be based on my FRA value? I'm 55 now and the only reason I would wait to "retire" until age 70 would be that if it would increase her survivor benefit. Thanks!

[@amyjendruczak3892]

Wonderful information. Would benefit from a video about someone recieving Social Security Disability- does that end at full retirement age? What are options for Spouce or Survivor benefits in that case?

[@georgechristiani5262]

Some people wait until 70 to collect social security so that their spouse can get a higher survivor benefit. However, Erin said that the survivor will maximize their benefit at their full retirement age. Does this mean that the survivor would receive the benefit that accrued at 70 or 67 for the decedent?

[@okinawanwarrior8689]

There is also $255 one time lump sum death benefit. You have two years from time of death to collect it. I didn't know such social security benefit existed 12 years ago when I lost my wife to breast cancer and missed the payout.

[@coochalena2616]

I did receive that and think it’s pathetic. The person at the SS office said it’s remained that low because no one wants to move it forward through the legislature. It should be at least $1-2K

[@MyTube2011QQ]

Can we talk about treasury bond and its return rate and any hidden cost? Thanks!

[@alliswellwithkristywells8747]

Hi. Great job explaining survivor benefits for the elderly. I have a question regarding survivor benefits for a widow with young children. I lost my first husband in 2011. I had a 2 year old and a baby on the way at the time. I've been recurving their survivor benefit since. I worked full time and after four years remarried, so I do not get my own benefit. My oldest is now 16. I have heard, but nobody has been able to confirm for me, that I will receive benefits for my oldest until the age of 18, but my youngest will only receive benefits until the age of 16. It's that correct? Also, what will happen to my youngest's benefit when my oldest ages out? Will it stay the same, be reduced, or increase? Thank you so much for your insight.

[@mgallagher1001]

Very helpful, with a 12 year age difference and the older being the higher earner we plan to delay to 70. If death occurs after the claim date, say 71, the younger will get the additional credit if she wants until her full retirement age. Is that so?

[@danmckayinthewind]

This is my question as well, and if the younger spouse draws her own social security at 62 would that in any way affect the survivors benefit's?

[@ace-c7j]

I was told by SS when my wife passed at age 50, I could NOT claim anything on her SS retirement until I turned 65. WTH? When I was 65, I claimed on hers while collecting SS disability. I received just 35% of her expected benefit had she lived to age 65. something seems incorrect???

[@barry28907]

Thanks for the detailed explanation! Is there and automated tool that would allow a person to model specific scenarios using their own SS numbers?

[@gosman949]

At minute 9:02 you said that the primary earner at 70 can have their spouse receive all of their SS monthly payout. If the primary lives longer, will the spouse get the larger amount that the primary has been getting with inflation increases?

[@Baucbbb15]

Ms Erin, first amazing videos that you put out. You have a wealth of knowledge that majority of Americans struggle to comprehend, including me. So, can you help me clarify my confusion on survivor benefit entitlement. Scenario, my wife of marriage of over 40 years and counting, (her age 70), was drawing disability in her mid 50s, and at some point this converted to regular SSI (assuming when she reached FRA). As for me, I am soon to be 64, and have not started drawing Social Security (which computes to nearly twice as much as her SS. My question is if I pass before starting Social Security, will she be entitled to receive funds based on (a) my age at the time of death, (b) the amount at my FRA (67), (c) amount at 70. Also, does her drawing early have any impact of the amount that she would draw from my Social Security? I met with a SS representative, and they actually caused more confusion. Personally, I prefer to delay drawing if has any financial benefit for my spouse. Thank you so much in advance.

[@SteveBenecke-l8k]

I am confused: if a spouse passes away, one doesn't receive both their social security and their spouse's. They receive whichever is greater, am I correct?

[@FIRED13]

Correct

[@shawnbrennan7526]

Correct. That got glossed over in the section that started at 3:37

[@MISCIFMAKER]

Sort correct , claim on hers 60 lost my ay 48 nvr remarried. However my SS CONTINURE TO MATURE , I GET TO CHOSE WHEN I CHOSE TO COLLECT MINE

[@lulucly]

Good info, but I didnt hear you address the impact of the GPO on survivor benefits. Hope it is repealed, but it does penalize those of us who have paid into SS as well as work for a non covered organization.

[@diannbajewicz8952]

What happened to 65 as retirement

[@ThomasSlodzinski]

As I investigated into Social Security I thought they were going to get rid of the survivor benefits or spousal benefit at least they were talking about it. I don't even know what is fake or what is real when they start talking about these things. But as a retiree that has worked all his life I know they won't increase it too much.

[@51dbail]

I took survivor benefit at 61and let my SSA increase. My survivor benefit is about 1k less than my benefit. Are there any charts on when the best time is to switch benefits

[@DavidCR7-s6s]

Can you do a video regarding spouses under 60 carrying for children under 16?

[@ErinTalksMoney]

Sure!

[@dog2k9]

Still lost on a simple question. Higher earner passes at 75 and lower earner passes at 90.Can I maximize the survivors benefit (lower earner) by waiting to file the higher earners SS at 70. Essentially leaving the survivor to collect what the higher earner received by waiting to 70.

[@nicstevens6499]

The ONLY way to "know" the right Social Security claiming strategy is to know the date of death of both spouses... Which hopefully is impossible unless something bad is going down. So unless you are certain you are going to die young it makes sense to calculate your break even point for claiming at 70 for the higher earner. It's usually around 80-82... For the lower earner claim at 62 and and then at your FRA claim the spousal benefit after your higher earning spouse claimed at 70. Easy.. And really is the goal to get the MOST out of SS before you die? No.. The goal is to get the most in case you were to live a long time and for that you claim later at 70.

[@BentRider585]

Thank you for this video. I was wondering what a surviving spouse might receive if the higher earning spouse delayed social security benefits until 70 years old and died a few years later. The spouses are the same age.

[@ErinTalksMoney]

from the Social Security administrations own website, “ if the person who died was receiving reduced benefits, we base your survivor, benefits on that amount. If they delayed retirement beyond full retirement age, we increase your survivor, benefits by those delayed retirement credits.” so if they delayed, they would receive an increased benefit. 😊

[@dawndarling2277]

Unlike Spousal Benefits, delaying SS until 70 would pay the amount received at 70. It's why many men wait until 70 to give their spouse a nice lifetime check of approx $4k-$5k a month.

[@Tara-xt5vi]

What if deceased spouse was on disability before death? Would survivor benefit be based on that amount?

[@marcusacosta]

I am 59 my wife passed at 55, 4 years ago. My income is higher than hers. Can I receive her survivor benefits at 60? I have not remarried

[@danmckayinthewind]

Man is this frustrating! Social security themselves told me there was no survivors benefit's paid on the additional delayed benefit beyond full retirement age, why would they tell me that? That's not what you just said!

[@jimdavis4356]

Thanks for your helpful videos Erin. My wife has not earned enough credits to be eligible for social security, would she be eligible for survivor benefits if I die?

[@NeverQuit1978]

Are there SS codes or Acts/Amendment sections I can reference during my discussion with SS when I begin my claim in 2025? I’m retiring Dec 2024 and spouse is deceased. My plan is to take my reduced SS from 64 to 67 ($2000) then switch to survivor benefit ($4000) at 67. Unfortunately most SS clerks disagree that switching programs is even possible, or switching can only go survivor to my SS, or give bad advice such as I should take survivor now and switch to my SS at 70; which would reduce the payment by 58% for most of my statistical years of life. I did get one clerk that actually had a good understanding and verified with supervisor. I don’t blame the clerks but the agency for poor training.

[@Marlene17824]

After applying for survivors benefit how long does it take to receive them, I've been waiting over 3 months!

[@sheilad7324]

I have a question. I’m now the guardian of children who receive survivor benefits from the mother’s passing. Can I collect child support from the absent father and it not affect the survivor benefits from the deceased parent?

[@jefflowe5916]

If someone remarries after age 60, then some years after that their ex-spouse passes away, example after 70 years old, can that someone, still being married to the new spouse, collect survivor benefits from the deceased ex-spouse?

[@kelliwebb2870]

If a child gets survivor benefits from his Mom passing is the husband still entitled to survivor benefits?

[@NatesRandomVideo]

My dad’s ex-wives are all enjoying his survivor benefits and he’s long dead! lol 😂

[@billjones4986]

Best thing is they don’t ever know or have to know!Social Security is not big on drama.

[@Brian-nb6fb]

Good information that could make a significant difference in one's retirement years!

[@Trudi-br2rs]

My late spouse passed away in 2003 (age 33). I remarried before age 50, but that marriage ended in divorce (1.5 year marriage - ended 2018). Since 2018, I have remained unmarried. If I continue to remain unmarried until age 60, can I collect on my deceased husband's SS at age 60 or 67?

[@ron9665]

3:43 Would that not be a widower? noun a man who has lost his spouse by death and has not remarried. (sorry, not trying to be a smart aleck)

[@edhettwer7920]

This situation has hit me. My 1st wife died in her early 50s. We were married for 20 years. Hence i am eligible for survivor benefits on her account. I only made the mistake of remarrying before age 60 as Erin said. Makes me ineligible. I found a way around it hee. Divorced current wife after 60. Am now remarried again to her. I filed on 1st wife's account now. Just got notice. I was accepted. Sounds a bit unethical to me. I even had to approach different lawyers till I found one to divorce me 😊

[@sharonchristensen5753]

My husband, he passed away at 56 and he was already getting Social Security benefits. He was a disabled Vietnam veteran and so I started drawing his Social Security at 60 is there anything else that I should do? I live by myself and everybody is girl to 😮 sorry I messed up. Just wondered if there was anything else I should do.

[@kathykaylor5045]

Husband getting SSDI at 60. He's highest earner can I collect mine at 62 then get his same amount if something happens to him

[@thomasmoshier3920]

Ok Erin, now I’m confused. If I take SS at 70 and then pass away, my wife, also 70, receives my higher benefit and loses hers that she took at her FRA. Does my ex wife receive that same benefit I received at 70 like my current wife, or does she receive the benefit amount at my FRA? Provided she’s 67, hasn’t remarried, and was married the minimum 10 years? I was under the impression both would receive the same amount which is the larger sum by taking SS at 70.

[@ErinTalksMoney]

If both you and your wife delay, taking Social Security until the age of 70, Your wife would be eligible to have survivor benefits based on your benefit at 70 rather than full retirement age. “ if the person who died was receiving, reduced benefits, we base your survivor benefit on that amount. If they delayed retirement beyond full retirement age, we increase your survivor benefit by those delayed retirement credits.” ssa.gov If your ex spouse is currently full retirement age, and you have begun claiming your benefits at 70, your ex spouse would receive 50% of your benefit at full retirement age. “ if you have an ex spouse who qualifies for benefits on your record, they would receive 50% of your full retirement benefit amount if they claim at their full retirement age. Delayed retirement credits do not increase benefits for an ex spouse.” ssa.gov I hope this helps!

[@fajaalmighty7628]

Your ex wife would only be eligible for up to 50 percent of what you amount is at your fra age. Current spouse would be able to draw what your benefit was valued at for your fra. You waiting to age 70 to draw and dying after that would not pay her the delayed credits that were added above and beyond your fra

[@thomasmoshier3920]

Thanks! I understand spousal benefits. It’s survivor benefits that I was unclear. Both my wife and my ex wife qualify for the same survivor benefit if they meet the terms for length of marriage. Both would receive the same amount of survivor benefit if they are both at FRA, the amount is more than they are currently receiving, and they didn’t draw early. And in the case of my ex wife, she does not remarry before age 60. Under those conditions, if I begin SS at 70, that amount would be my survivor benefit for both…..

[@vincek296]

Hi Erin. Can I claim survivor benefit @60 while receiving FERS supplement? I am a federal employee that is eligible to receive FERS supplement from at age 57 through 62 until my own SS benefit kicks in.

[@ralphparker]

I feel like I'm drinking from a firehose here. I 'm planning to start at age 70. My wife is the same age as I. I was trying to figure out what she'd get if I passed away before claiming. As it is, she would get a spousal benefit when I do claim. I'm assuming if I die before FRA and before 70, she would get as a survivor benefit of what I would of got if I claimed the day I died.

[@James4cycling]

If you die before FRA, she gets your FRA amount. If you’re not collecting and you die between FRA and 70 she gets what you would have been entitled to when you died.

[@sherryyassi4587]

My husband was getting disability and he pass at 62 and I was 58 then I start getting his social just 70% of that till I got to 65 and I got my self . Know I’m asking u if I chang my social and go back to my husband is it know more then main or not thanks.

[@benjaminchaston7202]

Maybe I missed it, but are survivor benefits affected by the survivors working income if they choose to work? I'm sorry if the question is worded poorly.

[@ErinTalksMoney]

If you claim prior to your full retirement age, earnings would be subject to the annual earnings limit. I hope I understood your question correctly. 😊

[@benjaminchaston7202]

@@ErinTalksMoney Yes you did. Thank you!

[@shawnbrennan7526]

@@benjaminchaston7202 To add to the answer, Erin did show a formula that mentioned the reduction if you are working. In her other videos she has covered how your benefits are later recalculated when you stop working.

[@benjaminchaston7202]

@@shawnbrennan7526 Thank you! 😊

[@sgd5k292]

Hi, will my wife need our marriage certificate for her to claim my SS benefits if I pass first? We have been married over 50 years. Thanks!

[@merlyndangor6155]

My mother passed away at age 90.. My father who is 95 only receive like $240 ( one time only) survivors benefit .. yes he received more SS income than her but only $240 survivors benefit ? Does this sound right? Please advise thank you

[@lisaspencer5881]

So since I am 57 and my husband is 74, if he dies within the next 2 1/2 years I am screwed??????

[@jamespierce5812]

Interesting, Hypothetical, what if the larger income earner (they were earning 100K per year) died at age 45, and the lesser income earner (earning 60K per year) is now at age 60. How is this calculated?

[@edhettwer7920]

I just went through something similar, although my ex didn't outdo my benefit. But close though. Mine died in early 50s but I don't think she had full qualifying credits. They must have projected hers to 67 as I am eligible for a healthy amount. Perhaps Erin knows how they tabulate this amount.

[@ferozakheramultaniusa8979]

My husband died or still alive I don’t know cuz since my divorce which judge grant me cuz we couldn’t reach him past 28 years we don’t know his whereabouts plz help me I am on disability past 13 years which is too little

[@woodendoors9532]

Where is your spouse?

[@jabow1878]

I think he is AD military

[@88888gerald]

tell us what you think about Trumps decision to remove tax on social security benefits....

[@FIRED13]

Stupid, unless he tells us where the loss revenue is coming from. Trump is like a very good salesman, he tells you what sounds good, what you like to hear. But, when it gets down to it, there is not much substance behind it

[@James4cycling]

Those taxes on social security are 4% of social security’s income. The fund is already running a deficit, a 4% decrease in income would greatly accelerate its deficit.

[@danielnelson2820]

If my wife passes I get none of her SSI because I have a pension and did not pay into SS.

[@mellonie2691]

With the change in this GPO bill you can get survivors.

[@TheMurrblake]

Widower

[@do_hickey]

What? No bloopers? How will we survive?!

[@davidleonard4925]

There are 2 examples I will give about people trying to collect benefits from the SSA. Example 1 is covered on you tube. Example 2 I cant find any information about. Example 1 You start collecting your own benefit at age 62 Many of the next 5 years you earn over the limit so you lose 1 dollar in ss for ever 2 dollars you are over by Then at age 67 the SSA begins to help you regain the benefits lost by increasing your monthly benefit So depending on how much you lost in benefits you now will get a monthly amount as though you took it at say age 63 or maybe 64 and not 62 Example 2 You start collecting a survivor benefit at age 62 Many of the next 5 years you earn over the limit so you lose 1 dollar for every 2 dollars you are over by Then at age 67 you stick with survivor benefit Will the SSA now help you regain lost benefits???

[@James4cycling]

My mother got poor advice from the social security employee. It probably cost her $25,000 over the next 24 years of her life. Do your research before going.

[@mariviccaridad1400]

I'm 71 Now I get my husband benefits when he's 69 pass away can I claim my own benefits I get my husband benefits when I'm 63...can still get mine and continue to get my husband benefits

[@pinkmoonrisin]

Great video! Do you know of a way to find out what deceased spouse payments would be. He did not have an online account back then. I actually made an appointment to apply and decided not to start payments yet because of income and taxes. The SS person was very vague on numbers. It is hard to find definitive answers to my questions. Help!? Also, I heard that my deceased spouse’s SS will stop growing at my FRA? So if I take his then I’ll let mine grow until 70 probably?

[@JosephSWheeler]

@pinkmoonrisin Call the SS office back and let them know you need to know your Survivor's benefit if you started it at your desired start date. They'll need to verify some information with you but should be able to give you that information over the phone. I did that about 5 months ago