My husband passed in 1999 at 58. I am still working. When I collect his social security when I turn 66 and earn as much money as I want? Then I will take mine 67 Or 68 since will be greater.

Hi,

Yes, when you reach full retirement age (FRA) you could potentially receive widow's benefits regardless of how much you are earning. But, depending on how much you're earning, it may be more advantageous for you to file before FRA. Either way, you could then later switch to drawing on your own record if your retirement rate is higher than your widow's rate.

You don't mention your current age, but your best strategy would likely be one of the following:
1) File for reduced widow's benefits at age 60 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 at age 62 or as soon as your earnings will permit benefits to be paid, then file for unreduced widow's benefits at full retirement age.

The maximization software available on this website can help you determine which of the above filing strategies is best in your case, as well as when to apply for each type of benefit.

Best, Jerry