How does social security work for senior citizens?

Question

So say your spouse dies and you are 65. Would it be possible to get anything left over in your spouse's social security and then still collect your own?

Answer 1

I get my own plus the additional money to equal the amount my deceased spouse was earning monthly.

Answer 2

I agree with judyarb1945.  If you have paid in but need to pay more to qualify, they will tell you and then you can go to work long enough to gain what is needed to qualify.

Best you contact social security.  They will also send you a list of all places you have worked in your life time.

When you call they are very helpful and I might add, that there have been changes made since I started drawing SS at 62. . . I'm now 73.

DeeJay

Answer 3

yes if they have paid into the system over the years, it would be entitled to you.

edit; i am talking about the uk.

Answer 4

I've been messing with SS for 5 years, since my accident and it is confusing.  If a woman or man was married previously and his withholding was larger than your last husband or wife you can draw on the one that benefits you the most.  But, you have to be married to the divorced or deceased spouse for 10 years!!  Anyway that's the way it was with my mom!!!

Answer 5

     I have been dealing with the social security system for many years now. My sister is a fraud investigator for the system. It's not the simple answers as one would think, the ones given and, each one is different.

      The best way is to contact your SS office in your local area and ask them. Make sure you get a name and number, always ask for that person, make yourself clear and, make sure you recall the same question so they can remember it. Mark down the dates and times.

Answer 6

If it's all you got you gotta work.

Plan your future. I can't stress that enough. Lay all you can away for all of those rainy days that will come after retirement. Figure out where you want to retire to and start setting up in that area.

When I was 16, I didn't think. At 25 I didn't think I'd reach 35, At 35 I knew that was my last year. Now I'm pushing 70 and I've been forced to settle down. I do own my place, in an area I like. I can go fishing whenever I want. without having to drive very far. So It's ok, But plan.

Answer 7

If your spouse is on SS, you get about $250 for burial.   Then you can apply for yourself.    If you don't have enough quarters worked, you may not qualify for SS.   Sometimes you can draw off your spouse's SS.   You really need to talk to someone at Social Security to get the correct information.