Yes, you should be able to file for social security benefits based on your husband's income.  You cannot file an application for him as he has already passed.  However, you can file your own application based on his income to receive your benefit package. (It's a matter of semantics....but it's important semantics)  Any good retirement financial adviser should be able to help walk you through this process and assist you with some additional financial planning to help your grandchildren as well.