Full question: I am recently widowed, age 64 and plan to work until 65.5. I do not plan to collect my social security until age 70. When I retire at 65.5, can I collect my husband’s social security until I start to collect mine. My benefits would be higher than my husband’s.

Hi there,

Yes, you collect a survivor benefit based on what your husband was receiving and then switch over to your own retirement benefit at a later age if it is larger than the survivor benefit.

If you wait to do that until age 70, your retirement benefit will have increased to the highest amount possible.

For a thorough and detailed personal analysis, ensuring you make the optimal Social Security decisions, schedule a free consultation with an RSSA.

Take care,
Martha

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