survivor benefit – spouse social security

I’m 75. Not really a question but heard you on WGN a few weeks ago (LOVE listening to you!!!) and you talked to a caller about being eligible for survivor benefits from SS. My husband passed October 2023 and we were both state of Illinois retirees – my career was almost all higher ed and he worked in the private sector for 16 years and for a community college for his last 16 and retired from Elgin Community College. His pension (partial after death), my pension, a small IMRF, and small reduced SS because my state earnings were in Illinois equals roughly 75K per year (this includes an amount withheld for federal taxes.)

Anyway, when I called SS after SURS provided their amount I woud receive, SS did some calculation and determined that I was NOT eligible for survivor’s benefits because my household income was too high. I didn’t question it but I thought I understood your information that everyone was eligible for survivor benefits. I do okay and have about 500K with investments and some cash reserves but not sure if I should check again with SS about survivor benefits. I guess all they could tell me is the same thing again but wonder if you have a suggestion, advice and/or who or how to contact if I was told something incorrectly. Lord knows, I’ve heard the tales in the book you wrote about SS goof-ups so just want to double check with you. Thanks!