Social security benefits....Multiple Question?

Question

I am 55 years old. My husband and I do not live together but we never divorced. He is 51. He lives in California and I live in Florida. We have lived apart for about 10 years. He told me that the doctor gave him about 1 year to live. He had 2 heart attacks last year. Can I get social security benefits after his death? How old do I have to be to apply for theese benefits? He is now receiving disability because he can no longer work. He is living with another woman but we still communicate. Our 2 children are grown and over 21 years of age. He served in the U.S.Marine Corps. for 3 years. We were married and living together at that time. He was released from active duty in August of 1980. Can I get any type of medical assistance from the Veterans Administration? They have helped him after he was out of the Marine Corps. If I am eligible for medical benefits where do I apply?
Any help will be appreciated.

I tried to divorce him 3 times. He will not sign the papers. He does not want a divorce. I really do hope he lives longer then he told me. I am not a gold digger. We can't live together, we argue too much. I hope he is happy now.

He has no money. I advised him to make a will for his children.

Answer 1

It appears you are not eligible for anything until you turn 60 based on what you told me. Unless you are disabled, then you could be eligible as early as 50. He also has to have the quarters of credit. Which is generally equivalent to ten years of work.

Answer 2

You are eligible to collect his social security benefits if you are still married at the time of his death, provided he has worked and paid in social security at least 10 year.
However, since your children are over 21, they wouldnt be eligible to receive any benefits.
Also, you are not eligible to collect any benefits until you reach age 60, unless you are also disabled.

As 2 the medical assistance from the VA, while they do have benefits for military spouses, there are many different requirements.
One is income.....no one who makes more than $40,000 or has more than $40,000 in assets (not counting primary residence)can get free care.
You would need to go to a local VA healthcare facility and fill out paperwork. You would also need his DD214 as well as proof of marriage.

www.ssn.gov

www.va.gov

Answer 3

I hope he's smart enough to divorce you before he dies so the other woman can have the benefits. You don't deserve his $$ if you haven't even lived with him for the last 10 years...

Answer 4

For the BEST answer to your questions, contact you local Social Security office. Don't expect some yahoo on YAHOO to be a SS expert. When in doubt, SEE THE PROFESSIONALS.