I will be 62 in February and worked full time from 1976-2003. I appled for early benefits in December 2017 to begin March 2018 - $1500+. My husband is 68 and applied for benefits in January - $2,800+ and received credits totaling $19,000+ which we have received. My husband was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and is one year into treatment. Are we making the right decisions? Also, if my husband dies before my FRA, can I delay applying for widow’s benefits until I reach FRA to receive 100% of my husband’s benefit? Thank you

Hi,

I'm sorry to hear about your husband's illness.

Given your circumstances I wouldn't argue with what you've chosen to do. However, you may want to consider using our maximization software to check out other alternatives.

If your husband dies before you reach full retirement age (FRA) you will have to make a choice between a) filing for reduced widow's benefits or b) waiting until FRA to file for unreduced widow's benefits. It sounds like option 'b' would likely be best in your case. That way you would continue to receive your reduced retirement benefits until FRA, and then from FRA on you would get 100% of your husband's full benefit rate inclusive of the delayed retirement credits he earned by waiting past his FRA to start drawing.

Best, Jerry