Ask Larry

I am an American and was married to a Swiss man for 7 years before he suddenly died in 2019 at 63. We were living in Switzerland at the time. I am 7 years older than he. I was collecting SS benefits when he died. Since he died , I have moved back to America.
I want to know if I can get a widows pension from Switzerland and keep my SS benefits?
And who can I turn to for information and assistance?

I can't get any information from the Swiss. They just ignore my inquiries. My SS benefits are so small that I have had to rely on friends for support. I am desperate and need help.
Thank you.

Hi,

Yes, at least potentially. I can't tell you whether or not you would qualify for a widow's pension from Switzerland, but if you can collect widow's benefits from Switzerland it won't have any adverse effect on your U.S. Social Security benefits.

The U.S. Social Security program has a totalization agreement with Switzerland, which means that you should be able to file an application for benefits from Switzerland at a U.S. Social Security office. I believe all U.S. Social Security offices are still currently closed due to the pandemic, but you should be able to initiate the application process by calling Social Security at 800-772-1213.

For more information about the Swiss Social Security program and how to go about filing for benefits, refer to the following Social Security website: https://www.ssa.gov/international/Agreement_Pamphlets/switzrld.html.

Best, Jerry