I lost my husband June 2019. I’m 61 now and would like to retire in the next 2 to 3 years. When I’m 62 can I draw more of my husbands social security. Now I. Make to much and have only RECIEVED one check of his social security. I made 34000.00 this year. I’ve herd when you are 62 you can draw more

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

If you file for widow's benefits before age 62, which it sounds like you've done, your benefit rate can be adjusted effective at age 62 to credit you for months prior to age 62 that you weren't paid benefits due to your earnings. Such benefit rate adjustments are automatic, but they don't happen immediately due to the lag time in verifying earnings amounts. Assuming that you are due a benefit rate adjustment at age 62, it could take up to a year or so after that before you actually see the increase. Social Security would pay you any back pay that you have coming, though.

In spite of any benefit rate increase you might be due at age 62, however, the Social Security earnings test still applies to your benefits until you reach full retirement age (FRA). So, if you continue working at your present earnings level, a significant portion of your benefits will still need to be withheld.

It sounds like your best option is to continue drawing your widow's benefits to the extent that your earnings permit, and then at age 70 you could switch to drawing your own Social Security retirement benefits if your own benefit rate is higher at that time than your widow's benefit rate. You may want to consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to explore all of your options so that you'll be sure to choose the best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry