Anyone didn't get (spouse) survivor's benefits for years? (California)

[lameri]

Hi, my husband died 9+ years ago and I was told I didn't qualify for benefits because I was not old (I was only 35). So only my 2-year-old son was granted benefits.

Several times in the past two years random people have told me that I should have been entitled to benefits. Finally last month I contacted SS and the representative said that based on my input (being a US citizen and not having remarried) I should have indeed got them and that she couldn't explain why I didn't. So she made an appointment for me and that appointment is tomorrow.

I'd like to know if anyone has been in that situation and what to expect from the appointment.
Thank you!

 

[Onderzoek]

Did you file an application and it was denied?

How much money were you earning from any job you had those years, and how much are you earning now?

How long were you married when he died?

If you didn't apply then, you probably will only be paid current benefits.

 

[yareli]

Based on my own experience i dont understand why you didnt get it im 35 and started recieving SSDI 6 yrs ago Im in Ca. Also what I had been told unless something has changed is that you get it retroactive what ever they owe you one large payment and then they continue with your monthly payment for you and your kids.

 

[single317dad]

Hi, my husband died 9+ years ago and I was told I didn't qualify for benefits because I was not old (I was only 35). So only my 2-year-old son was granted benefits.

Several times in the past two years random people have told me that I should have been entitled to benefits. Finally last month I contacted SS and the representative said that based on my input (being a US citizen and not having remarried) I should have indeed got them and that she couldn't explain why I didn't. So she made an appointment for me and that appointment is tomorrow.

I'd like to know if anyone has been in that situation and what to expect from the appointment.
Thank you!

Are you, yourself, disabled? Are you receiving any benefit from the SSA currently?

Widow's benefit (for surviving spouse of someone who qualified for regular SS benefits) is available at age 60. As you are 15+ years away from that, I do not believe there is a benefit available to you if you are able to work. Someone will correct me on that if I'm wrong

 

[LdiJ]

Are you, yourself, disabled? Are you receiving any benefit from the SSA currently?

Widow's benefit (for surviving spouse of someone who qualified for regular SS benefits) is available at age 60. As you are 15+ years away from that, I do not believe there is a benefit available to you if you are able to work. Someone will correct me on that if I'm wrong

There are also benefits available to a non-working widow/er caring for a minor child under 16 or a disabled child.

 

[single317dad]

There are also benefits available to a non-working widow/er caring for a minor child under 16 or a disabled child.

Of course that's correct. I didn't notice the child was still a minor.

My own mother, who was the same age (35) as our OP, received benefits for my half-brother when my stepfather died. I'm not sure why I overlooked the information in the first post.