How can I claim my widow's benefits while I get VA pension from husband's disability?
Full Question:
Answer:
According to the social security administration, you can receive widows or widowers benefits based on your age at any time between age 60 and your full retirement age as a survivor. However, if you start at an earlier age, your survivors benefits are reduced a fraction of a percent for each month before your full retirement age.
If you receive widow's or widower's benefits, and you will qualify for a retirement benefit that's more than your survivors benefit, you can switch to your own retirement benefit as early as age 62. The rules are complicated and vary depending on your situation, so talk to a Social Security representative about the options available to you.
Please see the link below for a chart that lists the full retirement ages for survivors based on year of birth.
There may be a overlap between the VA pension and your SSA benefits where an offset may be required. Therefore it would be recommended that you discuss your particular situation with the local social security or veteran's office.
VA Death Pension for Widows/Widowers
Veteran death pension benefits are given to needy widows and widowers in the event of the death of a veteran. Surviving spouses may be eligible for this pension if the deceased veteran was discharged from the service under conditions other than dishonorable and the veteran served at least 90 days of active military service with one day during war time. The surviving spouse's income must be below the yearly limit set by Congress and the surviving spouse must be unmarried. Survival spouse benefits vary depending on the household income and are distributed in monthly payments. There are also additional benefits available for claimants who require help with everyday living functions, are bedridden, dwell in a nursing home, are blind or are nearly blind. These benefits are given on a monthly basis and must be applied for separately. To apply, applicants must fill out an application, which is available at the website, and send it to the listed mailing address.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
810 Vermont Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20420
www.vba.va.gov
Social Security Benefits
The Social Security Administration has benefits available for surviving spouses and surviving divorced spouses. This benefit is available for spouses of deceased persons who have worked at least 10 years or have 40 credits of work. Surviving spouses must be at retirement age to collect full benefits unless they are caring for children of the deceased who are under the age of 16. Spouses may collect benefits at a reduced amount at age 60. If the spouse is disabled benefits can be collected at 50. Benefits for divorced spouses are paid to individuals 60 or older who were married at least 10 years to the deceased. To apply for benefits, the administration advises potential applicants to call or visit the local social security office in their area.
Social Security Administration
Office of Public Inquiries
Windsor Park Building
6401 Security Blvd.
Baltimore, MD 21235
1-800-772-1213
socialsecurity.gov
