My husband was on social security disability. I am 61 but was told I make too much money to get the full amount he was getting. How much would I have to make to get his full amount?

Hi,

I'm confused. Do you mean to say that your husband is now deceased? If so, you would have to wait until your full retirement age to be able to get his full rate as a widow. If you file before then, your benefits would be reduced for age and they could be fully or partially withheld due to the Social Security earnings test (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking2.html).

If you are a widow and are also insured for benefits on your own work record, then your best strategy is likely one of the following:
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 at age 62 or as soon as your earnings will permit benefits to be paid, then file for unreduced widow's benefits at full retirement age.

If this is your situation, our maximization software 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