Social Security benefits?

Question

My mother-in-law has never worked because her husband never wanted her to work. She is 59 years-old and she came to america in 1996. She is a permanent resident with a green card. Is it possible for her to receive any kind of social security benefits?

Answer 1

People work from their teens to their 60's, paying into SS for many years. It is shameful that someone could not pay in at all and draw benefits paid for by hard-working citizens. There should be a minumum of 25 years paying in, before immigrants can reap the benefits.

Answer 2

My mother was a permanent resident for 50 years. She had worked some not alot during that time. She received SS while my father was alive and when he passed she got survivors benefits.

Answer 3

The sad thing is because is only 59 and never worked she may only get around $200.00 per month.

Answer 4

Depends on what benefits you are talking about? Sorry to ask, but is your father-in-law alive? Are you talking of surviver benefits? Then yes, she is entiled to survivor benefits even though she dit not work.

Answer 5

Yes, she will be eligable for what is called "survivors benefits" It's about half of what she would have gotten if indeed she had worked. She could buy a loaf of bread with it I guess.

Answer 6

No you have to pay into it in order to retire with benefits. Your dad should have planned for your mom since he wouldn't let her work.

Answer 7

Possibly, although she would only be eligible for the minimum payments... she may have to become a citizen first...

Answer 8

if her husband was legal and put in enough time, then yes, she may be eligible. if he never payed into the system then it's no!!!!!

Answer 9

She can have mine, it won't be there when I retire anyway.