Seattle, WA asked in Social Security for Missouri

Q: Social Security - Married 23 years. Divorced 03, he died 04. I Would like to collect those benefits.

When I applied for my own Social Security last month, they told me I could have been collecting my husband's payments since I turned 60 in Feb 2009. Why wasn't I notified? If I deserved these payments, now that I am aware, why can I not get this money? They say sorry no way will they give this money to me, too bad I was not aware. How frustrating this is.

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1 Lawyer Answer
Jerry Lutkenhaus
Jerry Lutkenhaus
Answered
  • Social Security Disability Lawyer
  • Richmond, VA

A: You are eligible for your spouse's survivorship benefits if you are 60 or older. Or, if you are between 50 and 60, you can apply for widow's disability benefits if you are also disabled.

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