Ask Larry

Shouldn't I Be Eligible For Widow's Benefits?

My husband died in 2015 at the age of 64. He had been receiving disability social security. I had retired in 2010. Today,Feb 24, 2017, I am 62 but will be 63 in April. Social Security said I could not draw his social security because my benefit was more than what he was drawing. I did not have all my quarters in and had to go back to work part-time. Now, I do have my quarters in, BUT was told it wouldn't even pay $100 per month. It seems unfair for the widows that we cannot draw our spouses ---even a small portion-- from our spouse.

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

I'm not sure what Social Security was referring to, but it certainly sounds like you should qualify for widow's benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/survivors/ifyou2.html). And, if you are insured for benefits on your own record, your best strategy is likely one of the following:
a) File for reduced retirement benefits now, then file for unreduced widow's benefits at age 66; or,
b) File for reduced widow's benefits now, then file for retirement benefits on your own record at age 70.

You may want to consider using the maximization software available on this website in order to determine your best strategy.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Feb 25 2017 - 8:30am
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