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Q&A: Early Social Security start doesn’t affect survivor benefits

November 24, 2025 By Liz Weston

Dear Liz: I started collecting my Social Security at age 62 because I had cancer and could not work. My husband is now ill and will pass on soon. Will I still be able to get my husband’s Social Security, which is much higher than mine, when he passes on?

Answer: Yes. Surviving spouses get the larger of a couple’s two Social Security checks. You’ll no longer be able to collect your own benefit.

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Filed Under: Q&A, Social Security Tagged With: Social Security survivor benefits, survivor benefits

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