My husband started collecting his social security at age 62. He became deceased in April 2018 at age 63. I want to file for my widow benefits. A currently make $28,000 annually (part time). I understand that I will not receive benefits of approx. 5,500, because I am over the income limit of 17,040.00. I was told that Soc. Sec would set it up on an annual basis and I would not receive benefits for approx. 3 months. Then receive for the remainder of the year. When I showed up for my appointment at the local office, they told me I did not qualify, because I have too much income on a monthly basis. He passed in April, and they say because it is a partial year, and because my monthly income is over, that I have to wait until January of 2019 to apply. What happens to the benefits for the remainder of 2018.

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

I don't know if what you were told is correct without knowing your survivor benefit rate. However, you don't necessarily need to be below the monthly earnings test limit in order to be eligible for benefits based on the annual earnings test (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking.html).

For example, say Mary files for widow's benefits at age 62 in July 2018 with a monthly benefit rate of $1375. Mary is still working and will earn $28040 in 2018, so Social Security would need to withhold $5500 of her benefits before she'd be paid. In Mary's case it would take 4 months (i.e. July-October) of her benefits to cover the necessary withholding amount, and then she could be paid her benefits for the last 2 months of 2018.

Before filing, you should strongly consider using our maximization software to analyze your options and determine your best filing strategy. The software is fully programmed to handle earnings test considerations, and can also help you determine when would be the best time for you to file for widow's benefits and/or retirement benefits on your own account.

Best, Jerry