Ask Larry

Hi Larry,
My husband had collected his social security. He passed away recently. Can I avail widowers benefit even I am not at retirement age? (37 years old).
Thank you

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

Unless you have a child in your care who's eligible for child's benefits on your husband's account and who is either under age 16 or disabled, the earliest that you could qualify for widow's benefits is at age 60, or at age 50 if you're disabled (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0401.html).

If you do have an eligible child in your care, you could potentially qualify for mother's benefits regardless of your age. For more information, refer to Social Security's handbook: https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0415.html.

Even if you don't qualify for widow's or mother's benefits, though, you would likely be eligible for a one-time death benefit of $255. If you haven't already applied for that benefit, you'll probably want to contact Social Security to file an application.

Best, Jerry