Question: I am 62 and started collecting my Social Security retirement in July 2014. My husband is 60 and started receiving Social Security disability in September 2014. (He was diagnosed with brain cancer and is terminal). Upon his death (doctors say it will be soon) what do I apply for? Widowed or survivor benefits? Or can I receive his instead of my Social Security? I do not work and my Social Security is $896 per month and his right now is $1,705.
Answer: Terribly sorry about your husband’s health situation. If your husband passes away, the optimal thing for you to do is to continue collecting your own retirement benefit and wait until you reach your full retirement age, 66, and then file to collect a widow’s benefit off of your husband’s work record. Your widow’s benefit will be the $1,705 adjusted for inflation.
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