Am I Entitled to My Deceased Husband's Social Security
My husband passed away suddenly two weeks ago. He was receiving Social Security benefits. I am in my 60's and battling Stage 4 Lung Cancer. I am not presently on Social Security. I plan on applying for Social Security Disability. Am I presently eligible to apply for my husband's Social Security benefit?
Re: Am I Entitled to My Deceased Husband's Social Security
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blazer217
My husband passed away suddenly two weeks ago. He was receiving Social Security benefits. I am in my 60's and battling Stage 4 Lung Cancer. I am not presently on Social Security. I plan on applying for Social Security Disability. Am I presently eligible to apply for my husband's Social Security benefit?
You are eligible to file for the widow's portion IF the widow's portion would give you a greater benefit than what your own earnings record would provide.
Re: Am I Entitled to My Deceased Husband's Social Security
My condolences.
Yes, you are eligible for survivor's benefits now. I believe the amount goes up if you wait until full retirement age, but if you have Stage 4 lung cancer, waiting may not be worth it to you.
As far as I know, they will only give you ONE thing, whatever is highest:
1. disability
2. survivor's benefits
3. retirement benefits
If you make an appointment with your local office, someone may be able to how much each number is, or you can apply for all three and they will just give you the highest :)
No matter what is highest it MIGHT be worth it for you to still put in a disability application, because you may be able to get an extra backpay check this way. Some people get a check worth 12 extra months of benefits this way (typically around $12,000). But some people don't get this.
Disability applications can take several months or several years, so you can collect retirement or survivors in the meantime.
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Here is one thing I don't know: How do you get medicare?
For disability, you would get medicare 29 months after your onset date (the date they decide you became disabled)
For retirement, you would get medicare at full retirement age (I believe that is age 66 for you)
For survivor's benefits, I do not know
Re: Am I Entitled to My Deceased Husband's Social Security
Anyone that has enough work credits or is able to draw off of a spouses work record can apply for Medicare three months before they turn 65, as of the date I write this.