If in Philippines and children are US citizens they get but wife does not.

 

What about if wife US citizen living in the Philippines. Does she get survivor benefits? I would guess yes. . How much is it?
If she never worked in the US can she apply for social security when she is old enough based on the dead husband?

 

Nope, she can't, since she is not a US citizen nor did she live with her US husband in the US for five years.

 

Survivor benefits

Find out what Social Security Survivor benefits are, who can get them, and how to apply.

www.ssa.gov

 

Hi Howard_Z

This publication from SSA might help; I just ed the PDF for my records to read later.
Go to SSA.GOV - Publications - 05-10137 ( it's called " Your payments while you are outside the United States." Hopefully, your answer is in there.

 

So if she is a citizen and they live together (does it have to be in the US?) for 5 years do survivor benefits include Medicare when she turns 65? I realize Medicare is only useful in the US.

 

If she is a citizen there is no 5 year requirement. She gets her husband's benefit whether living in the US or Philippines. If she is not a citizen, that's where they have the 5 year requirement. Generally to be a citizen you will have to have lived in the US for 5 years anyway.

 

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secure.ssa.gov

I think the 5 years is for non citizens

 

secure.ssa.gov/poms.nsf/lnx/0302610030

 

You are correct. 5 years in the US.