Wife passed away. She was getting more SS$ than I . Can I get hers?

@Motandfrank Sorry for your loss, and welcome to Fluther

Here’s a chart from the Social Security website. It depends on your age, her age, and some other factors. The best way to find this out is to talk to someone from Social Security.

My Mom did.

Mom still gets some based on Dads income producing years. She did work outside the home occasionally but for the most part was dependent on Dad for the SS income.

See the Social Security office, you maybe able to receive payments from her account only if you are not receiving payments of your own from Social Security.

As others say, go to the social security office because the answer is different for all. Based on earnings etc. Also, if this was recent, you may be eligible for some burial benefits. My sister in law was told she was eligible for 300.00 to go towards funeral costs. I don’t know if this is based on salary etc., so you should go in person and possibly get more benefits than you knew about.

I strongly recommend that you find yourself an advocate. When dealing with government bureaucracies or quasi-judicial bodies (like appeal boards), you have a legal right to have an advocate present. While it’s helpful to have someone who has some experience either with acting as an advocate or with the bureaucracy involved, it’s not absolutely necessary. What you’ll find is that you’ll get very different treatment when you have an advocate present, even if the advocate says absolutely nothing. Just the presence of someone quietly making notes while you deal with a bureaucrat is usually enough to make sure that you’re treated fairly.

I’ve done advocacy work for 25 years for others, but any time I have to deal with any government bureaucracy, even I always make sure I have an advocate with me. It really does make a huge difference in how you’re treated.

Good point by @SmashTheState. When you have a hearing or whatever it is you have, ask what the appeal process is, too. That keeps them on their toes (believe me, I know).