Hi Larry,
I am a widower, my wife of 26 years died at age 61 in 2009. I will be 66 on 12/20/2017, but don't plan on retiring until I am at least 70. I have a 401K through my job and would like to save more into my this account before I retire; my plan is to start collecting my deceased wife's SS when I reach 66 and have an equivalent amount deducted from my check for my 401K. At 66 how will by current earnings affect the amount I receive from my wife's SS? Will I get her full benefits until I am 70?
Thanks,
Eric

Hi Eric,

I'm sorry for your loss.

Assuming that your own benefit rate would be higher at age 70 than your unreduced widower's rate, you would want to start drawing your widower's benefit ASAP. Your earnings wouldn't affect your ability to draw your full widower's benefits starting with the month you turn age 66, but if your earnings are low enough to permit you to be paid sooner than that, it would likely be best for you to do so.

You may want to consider using the maximization software available on this website to be sure that you choose the optimal filing strategy.

Best, Jerry

Best, Jerry