MY husband died in Jan. of 2015. I am still working. I went to social security to see if I could draw
anything from my husband's social security. We were married 15 years. I make anywhere from $32-$37
thousand per year. I had 2 sons, one daughter-in-law and one grandson living with me at the time. I was the
only breadwinner. I received one chech for $1,200 which I had to repay. My youngest son who is in the military
insisted after my husband died that the other kids go back to Texas. (my childhood home). I now live by myself in
a one bedroom apartment. I think that the company I have been working for for 18 years is about to go under.
I have been to social security and all I can draw will be $1,400 or somewhere close. I will not turn 66 until Feb. of 2018
which will still make little difference in the amount I can draw. ($59 - 70 or so) Is there anything I can do, once I am terminated
to receive more than $1,400 after working most of my life since 16 years old?

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

I'm not sure whether or not you're saying that your children and daughter-in-law are drawing child benefits on your husband's record, but if they are that could cause you to receive a lower than normal widow's benefit rate due to the family maximum benefit.

It sounds like your best strategy is likely one of the following, although if you have children who are still drawing benefits it could complicate matters:
1) File for reduced widow's benefits now or as soon as your earnings will permit benefits to be paid, then switch to your own record at age 70; or,
2) File for reduced retirement benefits on your own record now or as soon as your earnings will permit benefits to be paid, then file for unreduced widow's benefits at full retirement age.

The maximization software available on this website can help you determine which of the above filing strategies is best in your case, as well as when to apply for each type of benefit.

Best, Jerry