pamtxmom Posted November 3, 2016 Share Posted November 3, 2016 Dealing with the business of death while you're still grieving sucks! But, I looked on the SSA website and gathered and organized all the documents I needed. The worst part was the hour wait for my turn at the window. He said most people don't have what they need when they came in, so it made things go smoother for me that I had everything ready. I have a daughter still in high school, so the benefits are for her now. I'll get the one time death benefit, and be eligible to apply for survivor benefits around the same time my daughter graduates high school. Has anyone waited past age 60 to apply for survivor benefits so that you could get a higher $ amount? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Julester3 Posted November 3, 2016 Share Posted November 3, 2016 I tell people to make an appointment at social security. I waited just 5 minutes for my turn when I went. I don't think I could have sat there for an hour. I got $200 only and was told I can't collect any widows benefits because I am working. I have to wait another 19 years and stay single in order to find out if I can collect any widows benefits. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marjoe Posted November 4, 2016 Share Posted November 4, 2016 You can collect while working, but only if you make under $15,600. Sit down and figure out if you can live on that $15,600 plus SS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bear Tomás Posted November 4, 2016 Share Posted November 4, 2016 You can collect while working, but only if you make under $15,600. Sit down and figure out if you can live on that $15,600 plus SS. ^this^ Plus I will get a small pension when Laurie would have turned 65. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kjs1989 Posted November 4, 2016 Share Posted November 4, 2016 The business of death sucks. It is so unbearable to deal with all of this stuff in the throes of grief. I remember just feeling like a robot going from bank to bank to sort things out and yes, also waiting in the social security office, thinking WTF happened to my charmed life. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soloact Posted November 5, 2016 Share Posted November 5, 2016 The earnings limit for 2017 is $16,920. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pamtxmom Posted November 6, 2016 Author Share Posted November 6, 2016 I tried to make an appointment but could never get through to make one. So, I just took my chances and went in. I tell people to make an appointment at social security. I waited just 5 minutes for my turn when I went. I don't think I could have sat there for an hour. I got $200 only and was told I can't collect any widows benefits because I am working. I have to wait another 19 years and stay single in order to find out if I can collect any widows benefits. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest nonesuch Posted November 23, 2016 Share Posted November 23, 2016 As I understand it, a widow or widower has the option of collecting on the deceased spouse's social security, but only if he or she remains unmarried up to the age of 60. My husband earned twice what I did, so it was in my best interest to stay single until I turned 60. YMMV There are many factors, such as whether you're disabled yourself, how much you earn, etc. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
soloact Posted November 25, 2016 Share Posted November 25, 2016 If a widow who marries prior to age 60 is unmarried at 60 or later she can claim benefits on her deceased husband's record. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now