I am a 58 year old widow that is working 2 jobs and making approx. 40,000 a year. I was told that I could sometime in the future get either my deceased husband's social security and then switch to mine at a later date or vise versa. Can you help me understand what I can do? My husband died in 2005 and was only making around 30,000-35,000 a year when he passed at 55 years old. I am just trying to figure it out because I need the money and I am tired of having to work 2 jobs but I also don't know what the truth is. Your help is appreciated.

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

It sounds like your best strategy is likely one of the following:
1) File for reduced widow's benefits at age 60 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 your full retirement age.

Our maximization software can compare your options and determine which of the above strategies is best in your case, as well as determine the exact best month to apply for each type of benefit given your expected level of earnings.

Best, Jerry