My father died in his early 40’s. My mother received Survivors Social Security benefits while my sister and I were underage. My mother was born in 1953 and will be taking her full Social Security retirement benefits at 66. She intends to keep working until 67 to 70. Is she able to receive her own Social Security benefits and Survivors benefits? If so, will having taken Social Security benefits while my sister and I were underage effect this? Will her remaining in the workforce effect this?

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

Your mother couldn't receive both her full retirement benefit and a full survivor benefit at the same time, but it may be advantageous for her to file for one type of benefit first and then switch to the other type of benefit later. Her survivor rate will reach it's maximum point when she turns age 66, whereas her retirement rate would reach it's highest point when she turns age 70.

Therefore, your mother's best strategy is likely one of the following:
1) File for reduced widow's benefits as soon as her earnings will permit at least some benefits to be paid, then switch to her own record at age 70; or,
2) File for reduced retirement benefits on her own record as soon as her earnings will permit at least some benefits to be paid, then file for unreduced widow's benefits at age 66.

Generally, your mother would want to start out drawing the lower benefit first and then switch to the higher record when it reaches it's highest potential rate. The maximization software available on this website can sort this all out for your mother and help her determine the best overall filing strategy.

Your mother's earnings prior to age 66 could affect how much she would be able to receive as well as when to apply for benefits, but starting at age 66 there would be no limit on how much she could earn and still receive benefits. The fact that your mother previously received survivor benefits will have no impact on her current and future benefits.

Best, Jerry