My husband died of Covid in 2021 our children are grown and I’m in my 50’s we’re told I can’t get widow benefits to young I didn’t no to be considered a widow my spouse can’t pass till I’m 60 that’s when I will be considered a widow ?

Hi. I'm sorry for your loss. Age 60 is the earliest that a widow can qualify for Social Security widow's benefits unless they are disabled, in which case they can potentially qualify for disabled widow's benefits as early as age 50. So, unless you're disabled or you have a child in your care who is eligible for benefits on your husband's record, you won't be able to start drawing widow's benefits until the month you reach age 60.

By the way, widow's benefits are reduced for age if you start drawing them before your full retirement age (FRA). Therefore, you may want to consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully compare and analyze all of your options so that you can determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry