Larry, I bought the audio book and listened twice. Great read. And I regret to share that although I have an economics degree from Boston University (graduated 2007), I never took your class.

I'm asking this question on behalf of my mom. Here are the facts:
-Parents married 1978, never divorced.
-Dad (b. September 1951) passed away March 2017, age 65. He earned max covered earnings for many years (over 30) and never took his benefits.
-Mom is 59 (b. July 1957) and does not have enough covered earnings on her own record, as she stayed home to raise my brothers and me. We checked SS's website and she has 28 quarters.
-She is healthy, she is not disabled, and I can see her living to age 100. She also does not have an immediate need for SS benefits and can afford to wait.

What is her optimal strategy?
-Barry

Hi Barry,

I'm sorry for your loss of your father.

Based on your description, your mother's best strategy would likely be to wait until full retirement age (FRA) to file for unreduced widow's benefits. Since she was born in 1957, her FRA for widow's benefits would be age 66 & 2 months.

Best, Jerry