If I take my retirement benefits at 62, will I still be able to work full time without penalty? I plan on taking widow benefits at 66.

Joan,
If you take either your retirement or widow's benefit before your full retirement age (FRA), it will be subject to the earnings test. For years prior to your FRA year, your benefit will be reduced by $1 for each $2 that you earn over the annual exempt amount, which is currently $15,720. In the year you reach FRA, your benefit will be reduced by $1 for each $3 that you earn over a higher annual exempt amount, which is currently $41,880. You may want to use our software, MaximizeMySocialSecurity, to determine whether your best strategy is to take widow's benefits before retirement benefits or vice versa.

Thanks,
Mike