Q & A
My husband and I separated but remained married even though he lived with another woman for the last decade. He died recently. Can I receive Social Security benefits as his widow even though we have been apart for years?
Answer: If monthly Social Security survivor benefits are payable, they would be paid to you as the legal widow. Since you were not living together, a one-time payment of $255 to help offset funeral costs is usually not payable. Survivor benefits based…
If you are divorced spouse, can you receive Social Security benefits on the record of your ex-spouse (even if he/she has remarried)?
Answer: If you are divorced spouse, you can receive Social Security benefits on the record of your ex-spouse (even if he/she has remarried) if: Your marriage lasted 10 years or longer; You are unmarried; You are age 62 or older; Your…
Is Citizenship Required for Social Security Disability or Retirement Benefits?
Answer: Many believe that American citizenship is needed to receive Social Security benefits. But that’s not true. Resident aliens (or “green card” holders) may qualify to receive Social Security payments, as long as they meet some additional guidelines, such as having…
My husband and I separated but remained married even though lived with another woman for the last decade. He died recently. Can I receive Social Security benefits as his widow even though we have been apart for years?
Answer: If monthly Social Security survivor benefits are payable, they would be paid to you as the legal widow. Since you were not living together, a one-time payment of $255 to help offset funeral costs is usually not payable. Survivor benefits based…
What are the Social Security death benefits for a divorced spouse?
Full Question: I have heard conflicting information about Social Security death benefits for a divorced spouse. We divorced after 18 years and I have not remarried. What percent of his benefit is available to me? My own Social Security is…
Why should I sign up for a my Social Security online account?
Answer: my Social Security gives you a personal online account you can securely use to check your Social Security information and do business with us. With a my Social Security account you can: – Keep track of your earnings and verify…
How do I know if I meet the eligibility requirements to get Social Security disability benefits?
Answer: To qualify for Social Security disability benefits, you must have worked long enough in jobs covered by Social Security (usually 10 years). You must also have a medical condition that meets Social Security’s strict definition of disability. We consider an…
How do I appeal a decision on my application for disability benefits?
Answer: When we make a decision on your application, we’ll send you a letter explaining our decision. If you don’t agree with our decision, you can ask us to look at your case again, or appeal it. You must appeal within…
I will rely on Medicare when I retire. Can you explain the different parts of Medicare?
Answer: Answer: The different parts of Medicare cover your specific needs. There are four parts, all of which work in tandem to deliver health care services. Part A (hospital insurance): Hospital insurance helps pay for inpatient care in a hospital or skilled…
Will my pension reduce Social Security amounts?
Answer: Pensions do not usually reduce SSA amounts, but in very limited cases, mostly involving people who had government employment without paying into Social Security, they can result in a lower SSA amount. The key here is that the employment was…