Will I get 100% of husband's Social Security after his dementia progresses? Never had my own credit card

First, I'm sorry about your husband's diagnosis. You're smart to be planning ahead. To answer your questions: 1) As a widow, you'll be eligible to receive 100% of your husband's SS benefit OR continue receiving your own benefit - whichever is HIGHER. You don't get both. So in your case, you'd receive his $2,750 instead of your $1,100. 2) Yes, establishing credit in your name is extremely important right now. Apply for 2-3 cards, starting with your existing bank. Also make sure your name is on all property titles, bank accounts, and investments. Many widows face credit problems when their spouse passes. Other crucial steps: - Get financial and medical power of attorney documents in place ASAP - Review all beneficiary designations on life insurance, retirement accounts - Create a comprehensive list of all accounts, passwords, insurance policies - Consider consulting an elder law attorney about asset protection if long-term care becomes necessary

my mom went thru this exact thing!!! dad had alzheimers and she never had credit either. biggest mistake was waiting to long to get POA!!!! by the time they tried dad couldn't sign his name anymore and it was a NIGHTMARE with the courts. do this first before anything else trust me

As someone who worked at SSA for 26 years, let me clarify the survivor benefit situation. You'll receive the higher of either your own benefit or up to 100% of your husband's benefit (if you're at full retirement age when you claim survivors). Since you're already collecting your own retirement, SSA will automatically switch you to survivors benefits when they're notified of his passing. But there's something else you should look into NOW - if your husband's condition requires care, you might be eligible for spousal benefits while he's still living. If your own benefit is less than 50% of his, you could potentially receive additional benefits as a spouse. This would require a call to SSA to discuss your specific situation.

I used a service called Claimyr when I needed to reach SSA about my disability application. They got me connected to a real person at SSA in under 20 minutes instead of waiting for hours. They have a demo of how it works here: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU - their website is claimyr.com. Completely worth it for time-sensitive issues like yours where you need to speak to an actual agent about potential spousal benefits.

DONT FORGET ABOUT MEDICARE!!!! If he has dementia he might qualify for home health services now through Medicare. My uncle got help with bathing and stuff for his wife. Ask his doctor about a referral to Medicare home health ASAP.

You've gotten great advice about the financial aspects, but I'd also recommend contacting your local Alzheimer's Association chapter right away. They offer free care consultations, support groups, and resources specific to your situation. Their helpline is 800-272-3900 and available 24/7. Also, while establishing credit is important, consider adding your name to existing accounts rather than just opening new ones. And one thing often overlooked: if your husband has been handling the taxes, start working with his accountant or tax preparer now to understand that process. We went through this with my father-in-law, and the earlier you prepare, the better positioned you'll be.

Been thru this. The SSA will fight you on EVERYTHING so keep ALL paperwork. My mom had dementia and they kept sending her confusing letters she couldn't understand. Then they claimed she was overpaid by $4,500 which was complete BS!!! Took months to fix. Make sure you intercept his mail from SSA so you can deal with it.

One critical financial step: talk to an elder law attorney ASAP about Medicaid planning. If his dementia progresses to needing nursing home care (currently averaging $9,500+ per month), you need to understand how to protect assets for yourself while potentially qualifying him for Medicaid. There's a 5-year lookback period for asset transfers, so planning needs to happen early. Also, research long-term care insurance immediately if you don't already have it, though it may be difficult to obtain with a dementia diagnosis. Lastly, regarding credit: while establishing your own credit is important, also ensure you're an authorized user on his existing credit cards. This helps build your credit history while giving you access to established credit lines.

just wondering did u work at all during your marriage? even part time? because if you worked 10 years total in your life you might have more SS options!! my aunt didn't know this and was leaving money on the table!!

I'm so sorry you're going through this difficult situation. As someone who recently helped navigate similar challenges with my elderly parents, I wanted to add a few practical suggestions that haven't been mentioned yet: 1) **Document everything now while he can still communicate**: Create a detailed inventory of all accounts, insurance policies, investment accounts, and important contacts (doctors, financial advisors, etc.). Include account numbers, phone numbers, and any special instructions. 2) **Consider a medical alert system**: As his condition progresses, having a way for him to call for help if you're not home becomes crucial. Many have fall detection features too. 3) **Look into your state's SHIP program** (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) - they provide free counseling about Medicare benefits and can help you understand what services might be covered for dementia care. 4) **Banking considerations**: Make sure you have joint access to all accounts, but also consider setting up automatic bill pay for essential services now while he can still approve the setup. The credit card situation is tough, but being an authorized user does help build some credit history. You might also ask your bank about a secured credit card - they're easier to qualify for and can help establish your independent credit. You're being incredibly proactive by planning ahead. Take it one step at a time, and don't hesitate to lean on the support resources others have mentioned.

I'm going through a very similar situation with my mother who has early-stage dementia, so I completely understand how overwhelming this feels. A few additional things that have been lifesavers for us: **Financial Power of Attorney - get it done IMMEDIATELY**: Like others said, this becomes impossible once cognitive decline progresses. We waited just a few months too long and had to involve doctors to verify mom's capacity. **Social Security Representative Payee**: Since you mentioned your husband gets confused about financial matters, consider applying to become his representative payee now. This gives you legal authority to manage his SS benefits and can prevent issues if he becomes unable to handle his own affairs. **Credit cards**: Try applying for a secured card through your current bank - they already know your banking history. Also, many credit unions are more lenient with members who have limited credit history. **Important timing note**: You mentioned his doctor thinks his condition will progress faster than average. If that's the case, prioritize the legal documents (POA, healthcare directives) over everything else. The financial stuff can be figured out later, but once he can't legally sign documents, your options become much more limited and expensive. **One practical tip**: Start handling more of the day-to-day finances now (bill paying, bank visits, etc.) while he can still guide you through the process. This helps you learn the systems while he's available to help. You're doing everything right by planning ahead. It's hard, but future you will be so grateful for the preparation you're doing now.