My wife started receiving social security when she was 62. She passed away before she turned 63. She was 6 months older than me. I received a $250 death benefit and was told i was ineligible to receive a benefit from her. My eligibility for my SS is at 66. I'm now 64. My wife has been deceased for 27 months.

I thought i could receive her benefit until I turned 66 and then receive mine. it might be a play on words to say retirement vs. survivor or widower. I've had friends tell me that i should be receiving something from my deceased wife. Please advise on your expertise in this area. Thank You, Bill

Hi Bill,

I'm sorry for your loss.

It sounds like you should be eligible for widower's benefits assuming that you were married to your wife for at least 9 months. However, the Social Security earnings test (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking2.html) may preclude or limit payment of benefits prior to full retirement age if you are still working.

Since your wife filed for reduced retirement benefits prior to her death, your potential widower's rate would likely be limited to 82.5% of her full retirement age rate (PIA). Therefore, you would probably want to apply for widower's benefits as soon as your earnings would permit payment of benefits, then switch to your own record at age 70 if your retirement benefit rate would be higher than your widower's rate at that time.

The maximization software available on this website is programmed to handle earnings test considerations, so it can help you determine the best time to file for widower's benefits and your retirement benefits.

Best, Jerry