Q: My husband died after 35 years of federal service. I receive a survivor benefit. He had been on workers compensation for about 15 years, so he did not retire per se. When he died they took him off workers compensation and restore him as an employee, so I receive 55 percent of his salary. When I turn 65 will I also be able to receive Social Security. I was not a government employee, but I paid into Social Security. I have heard that because I am receiving a survivors annuity, I will not be able to receive my Social Security.
A: What you heard was wrong. You’ll be able to receive your survivor annuity and any Social Security benefit you are entitled to based on your own work history.
