Full question: Hello. My husband was collecting disability through social security and he passed away. I was planning to retire in August. Would it be possible to claim survivor benefits until I am old enough to claim my own benefits?

Hi there,

Yes, you can claim survivor benefits based on your late husband’s Social Security disability record while delaying your own retirement benefits. You are eligible to start receiving survivor benefits as early as age 60 and they reach the maximum amount if you wait to claim them until your FRA.

If you choose to delay your own retirement benefits, the amount will continue to increase each month, up to age 70, until you decide to claim them.

Please note that if you are working while receiving survivor benefits and are younger than your full retirement age, your benefits may be affected by the earnings test if your income exceeds certain limits.

I hope this information is helpful to you. For personalized support, work with an RSSA here.

Take care,
Martha and team

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