Are you allowed to work and if you have foster children are you allow to claim then if you are a Widow

Hi,

Having foster children would not affect your Social Security options. In order to qualify for widow's benefits, you must meet the requirements described in the following section of Social Security's handbook: https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0401.html.

If you're below full retirement age and drawing Social Security widow's benefits then your benefits could be subject to full or partial withholding if you earn more than the earnings test exempt amount. For more information on the earnings test, refer to the following reference: https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking.html.

Best, Jerry