Can I receive widowers benefits before I reach full retirement age 66. Receive them when aim 65. Before I file for my own as benefits

Hi,

Yes, at least potentially. Reduced widower's benefits can be paid as early as age 60, and you can claim widower's benefits while allowing your own benefit rate to grow until later. However, if you are still working the Social Security earnings test could limit the amount of benefits that you could draw prior to full retirement age (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking2.html).

You should strongly consider using the maximization software available on this website in order to explore your options and determine your best filing strategy.

Best, Jerry