Q. My husband passed away after 35 years of federal service under CSRS. I receive a survivor benefit. Due to his breaking his back, he was on workers compensation for approximately 15 years, so he did not retire per se. When he passed away they had to take him off workers compensation and restore him as an employee, so I receive 55 percent of his salary. What I want to know is when I turn 65, will I also be able to receive Social Security? I was not a government employee but paid into it. I have heard that because I am receiving a survivor’s annuity, I will not be able to receive my Social Security.
A. The fact that you are receiving a CSRS survivor annuity will have no affect on your entitlement to a Social Security benefit based on your own work record.
