My girlfriend is 62. Can she claim her late husband’s full Social Security benefit — or does she have to wait?

A widow age 62 may claim survivor benefits on her deceased husband's Social Security record immediately, according to Social Security Administration rules. The full survivor benefit rate is available at her full retirement age, which varies by birth year; claiming at 62 results in a reduced monthly payment. Marriage duration of at least 10 years is required to qualify for widow benefits, which this case satisfies.

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