My father passed away in 2012, and my mother moved in with us. We did a phone interview with social security and it was explained to us that she would receive the bigger of the two payments, which is exactly what happened.
Widows are due between 71 percent (at age 60) and 100 percent (at full retirement age) of what the husband was getting before he died. But SSA must pay your own retirement benefit first, then supplement it with whatever extra benefits you are due as a widow, to take your Social Security benefit up to the widow’s rate. SSA will also can pay you a $255 one-time death benefit if you were living with your husband when he died.
rockygap, you don't get both. Depending on your age, you will get some or all of your husband's (because it is higher). The SS office is very easy to talk to by phone. I suggest that you talk to them about your particular case -- then you'll know for sure.
But SSA must pay your own retirement benefit first, then supplement it with whatever extra benefits you are due as a widow, to take your Social Security benefit up to the widow’s rate. SSA will also can pay you a $255 one-time death benefit if you were living with your husband when he died.