Ask Larry

My aunt retired after her husband did, and he was already receiving SS benefits. When she retired she applied for her benefits, which were much lower than her husband's. Even though it has been over twenty years, is she still able to switch from receiving her benefits, and begin to receive her deceased husband's benefits?

Hi,

Yes, if your aunt meets the requirements for widow's benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0401.html) she could file for benefits on her deceased husband's record and receive his benefit rate instead of hers, assuming that his rate was higher. She wouldn't actually stop receiving her own benefits and receive only widow's benefits, though. Instead, she would continue to receive her own benefits plus a partial widow's benefit equal to the difference between their benefit rates. The combined amount, though, provided that her husband's rate was higher would add up to the amount that he was receiving.

I assume that your aunt is well past full retirement age now. You don't mention how long it's been since her husband died, but she could only claim widow's benefits retroactively for a maximum of 6 months from the month in which she applies for them. So, if your aunt qualifies for widow's benefits she would likely want to file a claim as soon as possible.

Best, Jerry