My husband died at 63 and 1 month old. He was collecting early retirement. I work 2 jobs and make about $56,000 a year. I just recently thought to check my W4 at my work. I had been married filing 1 exemption. I switched it to single 1 exemption. Now I net around $200 less a month. I feel like I lost my husband, his income and now it feels punitive. It feels like I'm being kicked while I'm down. I am turning 62 in Dec, but plan on working until I reach full retirement age of 66 & 2 mo's. Am I missing something, or is this just the way it is?

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

I don't know anything about tax withholding, but with regard to Social Security your best strategy is likely one of the following:
1) File for reduced widow's benefits now or as soon as your earnings will permit benefits to be paid, then switch to your own record at age 70; or,
2) File for reduced retirement benefits on your own record at age 62 or as soon as your earnings will permit benefits to be paid, then file for widow's benefits when they reach their maximum rate. Since your husband received reduced retirement benefits before his death, your widow's rate would probably reach it's maximum point before you reach age 63.

Unfortunately, though, at your present level of earnings the Social Security earnings test (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking2.html) would require withholding of most if not all of your benefits until you reach full retirement age.

Our maximization software can factor in all of the above variables and determine which of the above filing strategies is best in your case, as well as exactly when to apply for each type of benefit.

Best, Jerry