I collected SS when I was 62. I am now 69. My husband who was 6 years younger than I passed away at 60 and had collected disability but not SS. Because he was disabled he was eligible for full benefits and I then began to collect at his SS which was $84 a month more than mine. Does that mean mine was suspended and at some point in the future I could collect on my own and possibly have a higher benefit?

Thanks you

Hi,

No, once you file on your own record, that becomes your primary benefit for life. If you subsequently become eligible for another type of benefit, like widow's benefits in your case, you continue to receive your own benefit plus an excess benefit from the other account. The total benefit amount is roughly equal to the higher of the two benefits, and the benefits are usually combined into one payment, but your own benefit continues to be paid.

You could voluntarily suspend your own benefit until age 70, but that would result in you receiving neither your own nor your widow's benefit until then. And, it's unlikely that strategy would result in a higher total benefit when your benefits resumed at age 70.

Best, Jerry