Q&A: Can I Get Retroactive Social Security Survivor Benefits? Q: I recently found out my father died when I was 17. We were estranged from my father and my mother didn’t file for Social Security benefits for me. I’m now 20. Can I get those back payments? A: Unfortunately, Social Security does not pay retroactive […]
Q&A: Will My Wife Get My Full Social Security Benefit When I Die?
Q: My wife and I are already retired and my wife collects spousal benefits based on my work history. What will her Social Security death benefit be; will she get my full Social Security benefit when I die? A: That’s a good question and you’re right to plan ahead. In general, if your wife is […]
How to Notify Social Security of a Death
The death of a loved one is typically a devastating event. Even if you don’t think about the emotional toll such a loss has on a person, there’s all the legal hoops that you need to jump through in the wake of such an event; one of the necessary steps you need to take is […]
Q&A: Do Social Security Benefits for Children Include Grandchildren?
Q: When can a grandchild qualify for Social Security benefits based on his grandfather’s earnings? A: Good question. In today’s society, more and more grandparents are raising their grandchildren and there are certain circumstances when grandchildren can qualify for Social Security benefits. According to the Social Security website, a grandchild may qualify for benefits on […]
Social Security Death Benefits
Most people are aware of Social Security retirement benefits, and many may even be aware that Social Security has disability benefits, but are you aware that there are Social Security death benefits as well?