Recent Feedback
My father in law has just passed away and there is some question as to how much social security my mother in law will receive as the surviving spouse. She is 75 and currently receives approximately $700 per month of her own social security. The deceased (her spouse of 55 years) was receiving approximately $1800 per month prior to his death. There are multiple rumors that she will only receive a portion of his benefit or that she will receive all of his benefit but will lose her own...can you please tell me how her benefits will be calculated?
Optional Information: State/Country relating to question: Colorado Already Tried: social security surviving spouse benefits booklet
As a widow, show would be able to apply for widow benefits, and if she started her own benefits at her full retirement age, she would 100% of his benefits.
In many cases, a widow or widower can begin receiving one benefit at a reduced rate and then, at full retirement age, switch to the other benefit at an unreduced rate.
Social security will not give her both benefits, only one is allowed, so if the widow benefits would be higher, that is what she would receive not her own.
Experience: 13 years experience in social security
Our chat has ended, but you can still continue to ask me questions here until you are satisfied with your answer. Come back to this page to view our conversation and any other new information. What happens now? If you haven’t already done so, please rate your answer above. Or, you can reply to me using the box below.