can I get my husband's social security if he dies before me? I AM NOT A CITIZEN AS YET.?

Question

He has paid into Social Security and I have not worked here. We are from England originally. Should I hurry to get my citizenship?

Answer 1

There is a totalization agreement between the USA and the UK. You are entitled to receive both US & UK pensions in whichever country you live. If you (or your husband) did not work for ten years in the UK, then the UK National Insurance credits are added to your US social security credits. Otherwise the British Embassy in Washington pays you your UK benefits from age 60 or 65 as the case may be, in US$, and SSA pays the US share.

Citizenship and residence are both relevant, but in your case they don't matter so long as you are living in a country with a totalization agreement. (Canada creates some problems for UK pensions -- you don't get the annual COLAs there. But in the USA you do.)

DEPENDING ON YOUR AGE: and especially if you have less than ten years UK credits, and you will not be at retirement age soon, then I advise you to pay VOLUNTARY Class 3 credits (or Class 2 if you qualify, because it's cheaper) to the UK, £392.60 for 2006-07. The benefits greatly exceed the cost.

Unfortunately there aren't many people about who can advise you on these subjects. You are entitled to statements from both pension agencies. The SSA sends them automatically; the DfWP only reluctantly. (Watch out for the Windfall Elimination Provision. I don't think it affects you, but it might: http://www.ssa.gov/pubs/10045.html )

Answer 2

My gf says that the law in the USA says that, if you are married for 10 years or more, after a spouse's death, you are entitled to their Social Security. Even if you are divorced but you were married for 10 years, you are still entitled to it. You don't really need citizenship, but if you wanna go for it, then do it. Social Security in England works the same as in the USA. My gf has looked into all that stuff. She lives in the USA for now and I am still in England. She looked up all that information before and knows how the Social Security works. She is also a recipient of Social Security Benefits. My gf is Latin American from Puerto Rico, she isn't North American. Call your local Social Security Office and find out what you need to do. It shouldn't be a problem for you at all. Good luck!

Answer 3

My Mom was from England and Dad died before her. She never obtained her citizenship. She had no problem getting the surviving spouse portion of social security after his death. You just have to prove that you were legally married.

Answer 4

If you are a citizen then yes, you are entitled to his social security with out question. As a British subject, you may be entitle to your pension there as well. That's a sticky question. Perhaps best to contact the social security administration, but the United States isn't generally accepting of dual citizenship, but I think there are exceptions, and I think Britan is one of them.

You may be better off remaining a British subject, as you may be entitled to both. I'd ask the government as here you'll likely get speculation.

Answer 5

I hope you use your yahoo account with your husband, I am sure he would really be pleased that you are concerned to get your citizenship only so you can claim his social security before he dies. Such a loving wife :)....

Wake up call!!.
Getting your citizenship could take many years from now.


Become a citizen for the right reasons, Not just for your husbands money.

Answer 6

Lady, if you want to become an American citizen just to get the benefits of your husband, then we the American people don't need you. You should keep your old citizenship, we only need new citizens that want to become AMERICANS because they love our country and being an American is their main goal. To get his social security benefits, first of all, you have to be legal in the country and then all you do is to apply for it. Lady, please pray to God that your husband live for ever because in life is not good to be all by yourself. Is very lonely. Good luck.

Answer 7

Unfortunately, a SS# is assigned uniquely for a person, so even though your husband dies before you, you CANNOT take over his SS #. Go to a SS Office and apply for your own number.

Answer 8

the youngster may be waiting to get carry of advantages if the husband worked the mandatory 10 years. The spouse in all risk does no longer,a SS# is needed to collect advantages which if she have been unlawful,she does no longer have.

Answer 9

I would be more worried about my husband not kickin the bucket then I would be over his social security lol

Answer 10

First I think you should get over being so d@mn selfish. The USA doesn't need citizens like you. Don't even bother.