Q: I am planning retirement at age 62. My spouse was on disability approved by Social Security before he passed away in 2007. I am on the FERS plan with a Service Comp Date of Feb. 15, 1998. My plan is to retire at age 62, on Sept 2. I have maxed out my Social Security after 25 years of service in the private sector. What is my eligibility status with my spouse’s disability and with my Social Security benefit? I have been told that I will receive my Social Security and my spouse’s disability benefit, which I desperately need, but I’ve also been told the reverse.
A: It’s my understanding that you will be able to receive an amount equal to the larger of the two benefits, your own earned benefit or your late husband’s benefit. The amount of each benefit depends on the age at which you apply for them.
