I am 52 years old. My wife passed away one year ago at age 53. Both she and I have worked and contributed to Social Security all of our adult lives. We each earned close to 40 thousand gross income annually for the past ten to fifteen years. I am now trying to plan for my future retirement. I have no plans to remarry, but who can say? I would like to know what my options are regarding social security. I appreciate any information you can offer,
Robert

Hi Robert,

I'm sorry for your loss.

It sounds like your best strategy will likely be one of the following:
1) File for reduced widowers benefits at age 60 or as soon as your earnings will permit benefits to be paid, then switch to your own record at age 70; or,
2) File for reduced retirement benefits at age 62 or as soon as your earnings will permit benefits to be paid, then file for unreduced widowers benefits at full retirement age.

You will likely want to file for the lower of your 2 potential benefits first, and draw as much as you can on that record before switching to the higher rate on the other account. The maximization software available on this website can help you determine which of the above strategies is best in your case, as well as when to apply for each type of benefit.

I should also mention that if you remarry before age 60, you would be ineligible for widower's benefits for as long as your remarriage continues. Also, if you become disabled prior to your age 67, that could change your best option.

Best, Jerry