Dear Harry: I'm an 80 year-old widower. I have had a wonderful neighbor and best friend who is 59. We have known each other for about 15 years. She takes me to my doctors' appointments, she does my grocery shopping, sometimes cooks, and cleans for me. She has never asked for anything in return . . . not even reimbursements for gasoline. I own my own home with no mortgage. I have no debts. I do have a good pension and a near-maximum Social Security. If I should marry her and die before she does, will she be able to collect on my Social Security as a widow? I get conflicting answers from my friends.

What Harry says: It is quite possible. In order to get benefits from your account she must be at least 60. In addition, your marriage must have been in effect for at least nine months unless you die as a result of an accident during those nine months. If she has a work record of her own, she could possibly collect more on her own account. She will also have a claim for a maximum of 50 percent of your benefit while you're still alive. Your local SS office can give you all the amounts once you get married. *