My husband he was 66 died last year after collecting 2 SS checks. Because I applied for my benifits at 62 I am only collecting survivor benefits at a lesser amounts instead of Bob's full benefits. So I feel I am being penalized 1000 per month for retiring at 62. Is this normal practice?

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

Yes, if you choose to start drawing widow's benefits prior to your full retirement age, the benefit rate is reduced for age. If you were already drawing spousal benefits and weren't also eligible for benefits on your own work record when your husband died, your spousal benefits would automatically convert to widow's benefits at a reduced rate based on your age at the time of the conversion. However, if you were eligible for benefits on your own work record, you would have had the option of drawing just the reduced benefits on your own account and waiting until your full retirement age to claim an unreduced widow's benefit.

There's not enough information in your question for me to know what other options may have been available to you, but since you started drawing your widow's benefits prior to full retirement age they would be reduced for age.

Best, Jerry