Dear Rusty: I lost my wife 7 years ago. I was told that I could possibly collect 30 to 35% of her benefit as a widower benefit when I turned 60. I will be 61 soon. Would it make sense to pursue this if it is true? I am still working full time. Would this affect my ability to collect Social Security on my own account once I retire? Signed: Working Survivor
This recording presents the viewpoints of the AMAC Foundation’s Social Security Advisory Staff, trained and accredited under the National Social Security Advisors program of the National Social Security Association, LLC (NSSA). NSSA and the AMAC Foundation are not affiliated with or endorsed by the United States Government, the Social Security Administration, or any other state government. To request additional information, contact our Advisory Staff at 888-750-2622, or email us at [email protected].
Rusty,
Thank you for the insight on Survivor Social Security Benefits. Can you help me to understand how a veteran with 100% disability earn a living wage without losing the VA 100% status?
Hi Ann,
Glad you found our Social Security article helpful. Here at the AMAC Foundation we are experts on Social Security, but we’re not experts on VA benefits which, as you undoubtedly know, can be extremely complex. Nevertheless, Veterans often seek information from us when they cannot get an answer via the normal VA channels, and we do our best to research and try to provide helpful information. From what I’ve been able to find, VA disability (incurred or worsened during military service) is given a disability percentage rating based upon the severity of the service-related disability, with 100% indicating total disability. The disability rating is what determines the level of VA compensation received by the veteran. It is possible to have a VA disability rating of 100% and receive “schedular” disability compensation (compensation based on VA schedules for same) and, from what I’ve found, those receiving schedular disability compensation are permitted to work and earn supplemental income. However, some veterans may have a physical VA disability rating less than 100% but be eligible for at 100% rating under the “Total Disability based on Individual Unemployability” or “TDIU.” This rating, as the name implies, means the disability has rendered the veteran unable to work in “substantial gainful activity” (SGA). Those with a TDIU rating cannot work or engage in substantial gainful activity which provides additional compensation, without jeopardizing their TDIU disability status. So from my research it appears as though those who receive “schedular” VA disability compensation are permitted to work, but those who receive TDIU VA disability compensation are not (because by definition, TDIU means the veteran is unable to work). However, it also appears from my research that even those who receive TDIU disability benefits are permitted to engage in “marginal” part time work if their income is below the federal poverty line. “Marginal” would be limited part time work, seasonal work, or contract work which didn’t provide compensation over the federal poverty line. Of course, the VA is the sole arbiter of VA disability ratings and whether the veteran is eligible to work while receiving VA disability compensation. I suggest you contact the Veterans Affairs Office closest to you in the state you live. You can find contact information for your closest Veterans Affairs Office at this link: https://www.va.gov/about_va/state-dva-offices.asp
I hope this information is helpful, but please feel free to contact us at [email protected] if we may be of further assistance.
Russell Gloor
National Social Security Advisor
The AMAC Foundation
Dear Rusty: I lost my wife JANUARY 5TH 2022 She was 60 years old and I am 57. Q: 1 How do i find out if she was collecting SS benefits, as she was working in reno NV, because the hotel closed during covid pandemic. And she said she was going to file because of a disability. Thank you sir Alan T.
Alan,
Our sincere condolences on your wife’s passing. You will need to contact Social Security directly (1.800.772.1213) to find out if your wife was collecting Social Security disability benefits. In any case, unless you too are disabled, you cannot collect a survivor benefit as your wife’s widower until you are at least 60 years old yourself. At that time, you will be able to apply for a survivor benefit from your wife, even if she wasn’t collecting SS when she passed, although your survivor benefit at age 60 would be cut by 28.5% due to claiming it before you reach your own full retirement age (67). When you are 60, you will actually have the option to claim your reduced survivor benefit, or delay longer and permit it to grow to maximum (your survivor benefit reaches maximum at your full retirement age).
Russell Gloor
National Social Security Advisor
The AMAC Foundation