Dear Liz: Regarding your recent advice to the person whose husband had just died. I could be completely wrong, but I think that in order to collect her late husband’s benefits when she turns 60, she can’t remarry.
Answer: You’re right that you’re wrong, but your confusion is understandable.
There are different types of Social Security benefits that people can receive based on the earnings of a spouse or ex-spouse. People whose spouses or ex-spouses have died may collect survivor benefits. Those benefits can continue if the survivor remarries at 60 or later.
The other type of benefit is a spousal benefit, which is based on a living person’s earnings record and which may be available to current spouses as well as ex-spouses. Someone who is divorced and receiving spousal benefits based on an ex’s earning record will lose those benefits if they remarry at any age.
My husband passed away in 2007. His exwife of 24 yrs received the larger amount of his SS, my amount was a few dollars I believe. She has passed away now so does that mean I will not receive any more dollars ?
Your benefit has nothing to do with hers. Please contact the Social Security Administration to ensure you’re getting the correct amount.