<p>The CSS profile asks if parents will be receiving social security. I haven't worked for almost 18 years (except for some very small amounts) and I have no SS benefits accrued. Do I still get social security benefits when I turn 62 or 65 or whatever age it will be? (Assuming there's actually money there)</p>
<p>Your spouse should receive a statement from social security each year with an update of what he/she can expect to receive. In that document there will be information about widow(er) benefits as well. You also are eligible for benefits based on an ex-spouse’s earnings (if you have no accrued benefits of your own) provided you were married for at least 10 years.</p>
<p>I found those documents but I don’t think they’re asking about widow’s benefits. How can anyone know if their spouse is going to die and that they’ll be collecting benefits? I think they’re asking about retirement social security. My form says I don’t have enough credits to collect retirement. </p>
<p>My dh and I are confused by this, though, because we both know my mom gets some social security but she didn’t work outside the home.</p>
<p>If you will not be receiving Social Security benefits as of this time, then just answer “No”. Of course no one knows if something will come up in the future, but as of right now, if you haven’t applied for benefits, etc, then your answer is just “no”.</p>
<p>I figure there won’t be any social security left by the time I hit old(er) age … :)</p>
<p>I think they are asking if your will receive SS during your child’s college year (the one you are filling out FAFSA for), not if you will in the future. Your answer is “no”.</p>
<p>You may not have enough credits to receive SS based on your own earnings, but you should get a spouse benefit based on your spouse’s earnings when you/he hit retirement age. You can also qualify for benefits as a widow or ex-spouse based on length of marriage.</p>