If I quit working at 62+ years and file for survivors, then file for my own ss at 65, will my benefit go up during the years I am not working and receiving survivors benefit?

Hi,

Your primary insurance amount (PIA), which is the equivalent of your full retirement age benefit rate, would not go up if you stop working except for Social Security cost of living increases (COLA). However, if you wait to claim your own retirement benefits until age 65 instead of starting them at age 62 your monthly rate will be higher. For people who turn age 62 this year, the reduction for age applied to their PIA for starting benefits at age 62 is roughly 26.67%. But if they wait until age 65 to claim their benefits their PIA would only be reduced by roughly 8.88%. This would be true even if the person was drawing survivor benefits from age 62 to age 65.

If you will potentially qualify for survivor benefits as well as benefits on your own work record, you should strongly consider using our software. The software will analyze your options and tell you precisely when would be the best time to file for each type of benefit.

Best, Jerry