Reply #11: If your mom is alive and they were married

[sherilocks]

she can opt to receive benefits from his account at age 60. She can also opt to use his benefits if your dad's FICA earnings were greater than hers. (Even if they were divorced, under certain circumstances) Think of it as an insurance policy, not as a savings account. I'd rather have the insurance policy myself. Would you feel the same way if your dad died young and you needed the benefits as a dependent child? Parents don't have to be married for dependent children to receive the benefit. It's a great system that protects everyone.

I'm truly sorry about your dad's untimely death. Unfortunately life and death aren't always fair.