If My Spouse Dies, Can I Collect Their Social Security Benefits? A surviving spouse can collect 100 percent of the late spouse’s benefit if the survivor has reached full retirement age, but the amount will be lower if the deceased spouse claimed benefits before he or she reached full retirement age.

What happens to Social Security when spouse dies?

If you are already receiving a spousal benefit when your husband or wife dies, Social Security will in most cases convert it automatically to a survivor benefit once the death is reported. Otherwise, you will need to apply for survivor benefits by phone at 800-772-1213 or in person at your local Social Security office.

Why did I not get Social Security when my husband died?

I called then to see if I could collect Social Security, because he was receiving benefits when he died. Our daughter was still a minor, so she was able to collect survivor benefits until she turned 18. I was told I couldn’t collect benefits as I made too much money. (I asked what too much money was and they said around $14,000 annually.)

Can a surviving spouse collect Social Security at full retirement age?

A surviving spouse can collect 100 percent of the late spouse’s benefit if the survivor has reached full retirement age, but the amount will be lower if the deceased spouse claimed benefits before he or she reached full retirement age. (Full retirement age is currently 66 but is gradually increasing to 67 over the next several years.)

When to apply for Social Security on deceased spouse’s record?

If you remarry after you reach age 60 (age 50 if disabled), you will continue to qualify for benefits on your deceased spouse’s Social Security record. However, if your current spouse is a Social Security beneficiary, you may want to apply for spouse’s benefits on their record.

Can you collect your ex-husband’s Social Security benefits?

If my ex-husband’s Social Security benefits are more than my own Social Security benefits, can I continue collecting his Social Security benefits after I reach my full retirement age and suspend my own benefits until age 70 (in order to get the highest possible retirement benefit)? GOT SOCIAL SECURITY QUESTIONS?