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RhodiaRoad12 OP t1_j6ngob3 wrote

Reply to comment by meamemg in Social Security and my deceased father, what steps should I take? by RhodiaRoad12

Thank you for the info and especially the link. The energy and time is pretty low but the page seems to answer the questions.

- I'm not 100% sure he was receiving benefits.

- My mom is over 60

- No one is under 19

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meamemg t1_j6nhh3g wrote

> My mom is over 60

So the big decision you/she will have to make is when to claim her social security benefits and/or her survivor benefits. She can claim as soon as 60 and as late as 70. The longer she waits the higher the monthly payment is. She also can claim one, then switch to the other. It will depend on how much she has earned over her career versus him, and how much money she has saved up otherwise for what makes the most sense. You'll want to do a bit of research before making a decision because it is generally irrevocable once you decide to claim benefits, so don't rush into it too quickly. (Unless she is over 67, then file the claim for survivor benefits now) There are some good calculators online that can help.

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BowzersMom t1_j6nujd7 wrote

In fact, if she creates an account at ssa.gov she can see what her actual benefit amount will be based on different scenarios.

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Snoo1560 t1_j6nldr8 wrote

I am sorry for your loss. One thing you need to do is get multiple copies of his death certificate. This will help you as you negotiate everything.

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