Full question: I get survivors benefits now, I am 65 and have worked 27 years past my husbands death. If I continue his until 70 and then switch to mine (I’m still working) will I get a larger check? 

Hi there,

Thank you for the question about collecting survivor benefits and switching to your own retirement benefit later.

Yes. If you are currently collecting a survivor benefit, you may be able to switch to your own retirement benefit, up to age 70, if it is more than your survivor benefit.

Survivor benefits do not increase after your Full Retirement Age, but your own retirement benefits increase until age 70.

If your own retirement benefit amount exceeds the survivor benefit amount when you reach 70, then you can certainly switch.

Please reach out to us at help@rssa.com to schedule a consultation and learn more about how an analysis can give you exact answers and amounts of benefits you are entitled to.

Take care,
Martha

Schedule Appointment
Back to All