Benefits paid to surviving spouse, when

both parties have worked, over 40 years.

I went to my local social security

office, to get a clear understanding of

how much my wife would get from S.S., if

I died, and how much I would get, if she died, before me.

The gentleman that assitted me, imformed me, "if I passed on, before my

wife, she would get the same amount that

I, m getting now.I retired, on disability,

some years ago, and get the full amount,

I could get, based on my scale of wages

at that time.This was good to hear.

However, if my wife dies, before me, I

get nothing. This is the foundation of

my complaint.

My wife and I, have been married for 40

years.We have both worked and paid into

social security all thoose years.

During these years, we've relied on, each others income, to maintain our life-style.So, when one party dies, their

income will surely be missed.

But, if my wife dies, her income is lost to me, and over 40 years of S.S.

payments are taken by the government.

I don't think this is fair, or right.

If that's the case, why should my wife, who still works, pay any S.S. tax.

I think, this is an unfair process, that

should be corrected, not just for me, but for all couples, in this same situation.

Wrong is Wrong, & a RIP-OFF is a RIP-OFF !!!

I filed for widows benefits in 2003 on my second husband. I was 61. I was told I could file on my first husband when I reached 65 and I would get a higher amount. Filed the claim 10/03/2007. I was told I would receive a claim letter in 30 days. Instead she unreasonably delayed my claim for 5 and 1/2 months. Her excuse was "It's on a supervisor's desk or I'm going on vacation for a week or it's a holiday and I won't be in the office until next Monday or call me... I have one more question to ask you."I've searched my brain and cannot figure out what this nightmare is about. I told the truth and followed the rules and still don't know why they stalled for 5 1/2 months. Finally, around Feb. 1st they sent me an entitlement letter stating I would receive back pay Feb.9th and my benefits would start in March. Guess what? They claim the Post Office lost my back pay. I have direct deposit... so I knew that was an outright lie. I have no way of finding out where my back pay is. Last time I called I was told they would issue another check but that would take another 10 days. I think they are stalling again and possibly breaking the law and there is nothing I can do.I am 65 and counting and this has been a very bad experience. I thought I would spend my older years not having to fight the system but it has not turned out that way. I am very angry that the people who work for SS is so deceitful & calling the 1-800 number is a joke.