social security benefits
Good morning Terry, I love listening to you on WGN. I tried to ask this question on the air the other day but there was so many callers. My question for you is, my lady partner and I are seniors living together and both on social security, she is receiving her own social security and is also receiving a death benefits from her late husband. She would like to enter into a formal civil union with me. If we enter into the civil union how does that affect her social security benefits? Does she stand to loose her death benefit from her late husband? The loss of money could prevent us from entering into the union.
Thank you for your time and advice.
Terry Says
You are each entitled to your own Social Security — regardless of marital status. She is, I believe, receiving the larger of her own benefit or that of her deceased spouse. You are getting your own benefit.
BUT, there are a lot of other complexities to this situation. I’m not quite sure what you mean by a formal “civil union.” Are you talking marriage, just not a religious ceremony?
That could impact your part B Medicare benefits since you’d file a joint tax return (or married filing separately) and it could increase your income level for Part B and D.
What are you looking to accomplish here? I have co-authored a book called: The New Love Deal — Everything You Must Know Before Marrying, Moving In, or Moving On! It’s available on Amazon here.
I suggest you read it together and then consult an attorney — an expert in family law (divorce) to guide you. Maybe all you need is an estate planning attorney, and healthcare powers of attorney, to solve your needs in creating this “union.”
