Ask Larry

Experts at Maximize My Social Security have answered more than 10,000 questions about Social Security over many years. Search for your questions and answers here.

Can I Collect My Deceased Father's Social Security?

My father passed away in 1989, no one has collected his social security benefits.Am I (his only daughter)eligible to collect his benefits ?



Hi,

The only way you could qualify for benefits on your father's record is if you are unmarried and you became disabled prior to age 22 (https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10085.pdf).

Social Security is insurance, not an individual retirement account, and as such there is no guarantee that a person who pays Social Security taxes or anyone else will collect on the contributions that they paid into the program.

Best, Jerry

Posted:
April 27, 2017