Q: My husband died several months ago. I’m 64. I’m getting my own retirement benefits, and he was getting his own benefits. His Social Security check was more than mine, so I think I am due widow’s benefits. When I tried to file a claim online, I wasn’t allowed to. I was told I need to make an appointment to file a claim in person. What’s going on? Is the government so biased and backwards that they think a woman can’t use a computer to file for benefits? Can you explain this?
A: Yes, I can explain what’s going on. But first, I must comment on your assumptions about government bias. I am always surprised, and frankly a little disappointed, that people just automatically assume the worst about the services they get from the government in general, and in your case, the Social Security Administration in particular.
