Hello - my spouse recently passed away at age 65, I am also 65 and neither of us begain receiving beneifts. Am I able to claim his benefit now as a widow and defer my own payment until age 70 to receive the higher amount. Both of our estimated benifits are roughly the same amount, is there another strategy you might suggest to maximize my payout? Thank you for the information you provide, it is of tremendous help.

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

Yes, you can claim widow's benefits now and then switch to your own account at age 70. And, if you and your husband's benefit rates are about the same, that is likely your best strategy. One caveat is that an earnings test (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking2.html) applies until you reach full retirement age, which for you is age 66. If you are still working, that may limit what you can receive prior to age 66.

The other alternative would be to claim your own benefits first, then apply for unreduced widow's benefits when you reach age 66. However, if your age 70 benefit amount on your own account would be higher than your unreduced widow's benefit rate, you are likely better off taking the widow's benefits first.

Do not delay in contacting Social Security to see about filing for benefits. You can't start benefits prior to the month of filing, so a delay in filing may be disadvantageous.

Best, Jerry