I am a widow and turned 63 in April. My husband of 27 years died in 2006. Can I collect his Social Security now even though I am still working full time? Or can I collect my Social Security early and wait til I retire (at least 3 more years) and switch to his? His Socail Security will remain greater than mine even if I continue to work for a few more years. I also see that many requests are about Widow's Benefits. Should I be looking into this as well? Appreciate any insights you can offer.

Hi,

Social Security has an earnings test that could prevent you from receiving either retirement or widow's benefits prior to full retirement age, which for you is age 66. Social Security withholds $1 of potential benefits for each $2 that you earn in excess of the exempt earnings amount, which this year is set at $15,720. If you are not earning substantially more than that, it may be advantageous for you to apply for either reduced widow's benefits or reduced benefits on your own record ASAP. Even if you are earning as much as $60,000 annually, it may be possible for you to receive partial benefits depending on your benefit amount. If you haven't already done so, you should probably check out your options either by contacting Social Security, or by running the maximization software available on this website.

Most likely, the best strategy for you to follow is to file for the lower benefit first, and save the higher benefit for last. Any reduction that you take on one record will not carry over to the other record. Your widow's benefits will max out when you reach age 66, but your own benefit will increase by 32% if you wait until age 70 instead of taking it at age 66. Depending on your potential benefit amounts and how much you are earning, you may be leaving money on the table by not applying now. I would encourage you to check out your options without further delay.

Best, Jerry