SOC SEC QUESTION

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imbell
imbell Member Posts: 659
edited June 2014 in Employment, Insurance, and Other Financial Issues

I am getting Social Security pension benefits from when I woriked in the USA. Got a letter stating that they were going to pay me a benefit "as a wife". Now my husband is very muchd alive so what is a wife's benefit? Can't find anything on line.

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  • redsox
    redsox Member Posts: 523
    edited September 2010

    Did the letter list a payment amount?  Is it bigger than what you are now getting?  Depending on the circumstances you can receive benefits either based on your own earnings or based on being the spouse under your husband's earnings -- whichever is greater. 

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  • imbell
    imbell Member Posts: 659
    edited September 2010

    The letter said it was in addition to my benefit. I need to call Grand Forks becuase I have learned over the years if something is too good to be true it usually isn't. Funny thing is I have been a wife the whole time and turned 66 on December 27 last year.

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  • redsox
    redsox Member Posts: 523
    edited August 2013

    Yes, call and ask them to explain the basis for it.  The rules are complicated and they refigure it at certain times or after some events.  I don't know the details but it is probably true. 

    Also, ask them when the change is effective if the letter does not say. It might be retroactive for some period.

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  • lauri
    lauri Member Posts: 267
    edited October 2010

    Did your husband just file for Social Security ??  That might have triggered something.

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  • Sue-61
    Sue-61 Member Posts: 599
    edited October 2010

    http://www.ssa.gov/

     This is quite a comprehensive site but maybe you can find answers there. I agree, it sounds too good to be true. I am collecting widow's benefits, which will be more than mine will ever be......but I have never heard of getting additional benefits. I am no expert on this matter, believe me.  I would definitely call them and get the name (first and last if you can) of the person you speak to. 

    And keep us posted. Good luck, Sue 

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  • worldwatcher
    worldwatcher Member Posts: 205
    edited October 2010

    I was able to collect $80 more per month over and above MY earnings benefit when my husband's earnings benefit was factored it.

    When he died, I was then awarded 100% of his benefit.  A quick call to the SSA 800 number should answer your questions.

    I lived and now live in the US so I don't know if there is a difference for non-residents.

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