My wife recently passed away from cancer at age 59. She was on disability for the last year of her life. She did not work regularly. I am 61 and I have no concept of this whole survivor benefit. I would like to figure my best chance to retire in a year or two. I have some stocks, but I only make about $75,000 a year now.
Can you help me understand my options?

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

Assuming that your potential benefit rate is higher than your wife's was, your likely best option would be to file for reduced widower's benefits as soon as your earnings will permit benefits to be paid. You can then switch to your own retirement benefits at age 70, which is when your rate would reach it's maximum.

If you're still working, the Social Security earnings test (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking2.html) could limit payment of your benefits until you reach full retirement age (FRA). The maximization software available on this website is programmed to handle earnings test considerations, so it should be able to help you determine your best filing strategy as well as exactly when you should file for each type of benefit.

Best, Jerry