can I claim survivor benefits as I am receiving ex-husbands pension payments due to being survived by him

[tonimc22]

i live in ohio

[DaveF1006]

It depends. it sounds like you are already receiving survivor benefits if you are receiving your ex-husband's pension. Typically you may receive benefits if you were married to your ex-husband for a long enough period (typically 10 years or more). 

You may wish to contact the plan administrator for further details if unsure of your eligibility in receiving these payments.

[Opus 17]

There is nothing to claim on your income tax return for being a spouse survivor.  You owe income tax on whatever your income happens to be.  If your income includes a survivor's pension, that's part of your taxable income.  If you think there is a state exemption to tax on the pension, you have to check with your state.

If you are providing care in your home for a qualifying person, usually a child dependent, you can use the filing status of "surviving spouse" (used to be called qualifying widow/widower).  This provides some of the advantages of married filing jointly instead of single, but it only applies if you are caring for a dependent.