Quote Originally Posted by Storekeeper View Post
^ What we're not talking about is how the decision to start drawing SS also affects what our widow will draw once we kick the bucket. And since this is a Thai based forum, with people who have Thai spouses, it's a good time to remind people that unless your wife became a US citizen, or has lived in the states for 5 consecutive years, they won't be able to tap into your SS benefits as widows.
Yes, I know some guys that went back to the US with the foreign missus for the very reason (the guys were getting on in age).

So US citizen or live in the US for 5 years - consecutively, correct?

I assume she needs a green card also.

Can the wife draw SS death benefits back in Thailand with an annual cola after the husband dies?

Or, does she have to remain in the US?