Full question: My wife passed in 2016 she was 53. I’m 63 and still working. Can I claim her benefits now and then claim mine at 70?

Hi there,

Yes, you are eligible to claim the survivor benefits based on her earnings record any time after age 60 and then switch over to your retirement benefits at any age up to 70. Be aware however, that since you are younger than FRA, collecting benefits, and still working (have earned income), the earnings test will apply up to the month you turn FRA.

The SSA will withhold a certain amount of your monthly Social Security checks depending on how much you earn over the threshold limits. The current earnings test threshold limits for 2025 are $23,400 ($1 withheld for every $2 in earnings above limit) for the years up to your year of FRA, and $62,160 ($1 withheld for every $3 in earnings above limit) for the year of FRA.

So, you should consider delaying collecting benefits until FRA if you think you will earn more than the threshold amounts.

For personalized support, you can work with an RSSA here.

Take care,
Martha

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