Full question: I will be 65 in February 2026. My spouse died fifteen years ago at age 54. Can I take a spousal benefit through Social Security at age 65 and then survivor benefit at full retirement age? My spouse’s benefit will be considerably more than mine. I earn 32,000 annually. Thanks.

Hi there,

If your spouse was still alive you would be eligible to collect spousal benefits, based on their earnings record, if those benefits were greater than your own retirement benefits.

Since your spouse has passed away, you are now eligible for survivor benefits. You have several options at age 65 for claiming these benefits. You may choose to begin collecting the survivor benefit and later switch to your retirement benefit when it becomes larger, up to age 70. Or you can first collect your retirement benefit and later switch to the survivor benefit when it reaches the highest amount at your FRA.

Since you are younger than your FRA of 67 and still working, any Social Security benefits you collect will be subject to the earnings test thresholds and some of your benefit will be withheld above this limit. The annual earnings test for years prior to the year of FRA is currently $23,400 ($24,480 in 2026). Therefore $1 for every $2 earned over this amount would be withheld from your Social Security check. You can find more information on the earnings test at this link.

If you require further assistance, consult with a Registered Social Security Analyst (RSSA). An RSSA can offer expert advice and support tailored to your situation. You can find an RSSA here.

Take care,
Martha

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