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Social Security & Medicare Questions Q: It was my understanding that a widow 65 or older is entitled to 100% of her husband’s Social Security benefit. Recently I was told I was wrong. I was told that if I take my Social Security benefit at age 62 I am not entitled to 100% of the benefit my husband was receiving at the time of his death. Is this right? A: You will not be penalized in your widow’s benefit for retiring at age 62 on your own worker benefit or even on a spouse’s retirement benefit. If you are 65 or older when widow’s benefits begin, your monthly check will be 100% of your deceased husband’s benefit. The only exception would be if there are other dependents entitled to benefits on your husband’s earnings record such as a disabled adult child. In that case the widow’s benefit could be limited by the maximum family benefit payable on the husband’s earnings record. If your husband retired before age 65, his benefits were reduced for early retirement. You also will receive that same reduced benefit as your widow’s benefit. For example, if your husband retired at age 62, then your benefit will be 100% of his reduced early retirement benefit as long as you are at least age 62 when widow benefits begin. For answers to your Social Security questions call Social Security toll free at (800) 772-1213.
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