- How It Works
- ServicesServicesOverviewChoose the right level of support for your plan and needsExpert ReviewA comprehensive review of inputs and reports to get you on the right pathFiling AssistanceLet our experts deal with Social Security for youClawback AssistanceFor those who need help fighting a Social Security benefit clawback
.png)
- Why Choose Us
- ResourcesResourcesBooksFrom the world-renowned economist behind Maximize My Social SecurityWebinars & PodcastsExpert tips and guides to help you get the maximum from Maximize My Social SecurtyArticlesIn-depth commentary on Social Security from our founderAsk LarryThousands of questions answered by our Social Security expertsBlogSocial Security insights to help you maximize your lifetime benefitsFAQYour most pressing questions answered
- Pricing
Ask Larry
Can My Friend Draw Social Security And VA Benefits In India?
My friend's husband is drawing Social Security and VA Benefits and he has a few weeks left to live. She is a US Citizen and wants to move back to India to live with her daughter. Can she draw her husband's Social Security and his VA Check together. She will turn 60 Nov. 11th. Thank you for your time and your help.
Paula
Hi Paula,
I have no expertise in the VA benefit program, so I can't answer that part of your question. If your friend's husband dies, she could be eligible for Social Security widow's benefits as early as age 60 or even sooner if she's disabled, provided that she meets the eligibility requirements (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0401.html). And, since your friend is a U.S. citizen, moving to India wouldn't affect her ability to receive Social Security benefits. However, her benefit rate will be reduced by up to 28.5% if she starts drawing her widow's benefits at age 60.
Before your friend applies for benefits, she may want to consider using the maximization software available on this website to explore her filing options and determine her best strategy.
Best, Jerry