Collecting Social Security on Dead Spouse’s Record

Q. My husband and I divorced after three years of marriage. We remarried each other, and he died three months later. Can I collect Social Security based on his work record?

A. Yes. If you were married when he died, and he had worked long enough to be eligible for Social Security, then you are eligible for benefits as the surviving spouse.

However, if you remarry before age 60, you cannot receive benefits on his record as long as you remain in the new marriage. But remarriage after age 60 (or age 50 if you’re disabled) will not bar you from getting benefits based on his work record.

For more on survivor benefits, go to the Social Security Administration at www.ssa.gov/ww&os2.htm.

Source: Social Security Administration