My husband and I both retired in 2014. At that time, we both "filed and suspended" our Social Security benefits, intending to begin benefits when we became 70. My husband was taking a spousal benefit. He passed away unexpectedly at the age of 68. If I am eligible, I would like to receive a widow's benefit and begin my own benefit (with delayed credits) when I become 70. However, Social Security is telling me I am not eligible, as my funds are considered "active." Am I eligible for a widow's benefit?
(I am the higher wage earner.) Thanks for any help in clarifying my situation.

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

It sounds like you filed and suspended your retirement benefits so that your husband could draw spousal benefits on your record. He must not have filed and suspended his own retirement benefits, though, or else he wouldn't have been able to receive a full spousal benefit.

Since you have apparently already filed for retirement benefits on your own record, you could only become entitled to widow's benefits if your widow's rate is higher than your own retirement rate. This is true whether or not you have chosen to suspend your retirement benefits. However, there is a one-time death benefit of $255 for which you would likely qualify.

Your widow's rate won't get any higher if you wait to apply, since you are apparently already over full retirement age. So, if your widow's rate would be higher than your retirement rate even if you waited until age 70 to start drawing, then you would likely want to reinstate your retirement benefits and file for widow's benefits ASAP. However, if your retirement rate at age 70 would be higher than your potential widow's rate, you may want to stick with your original plan of waiting until age 70 to start drawing. You may want to consider using the maximization software on this website in order to determine your best course of action.

Best, Jerry