I just purchased and ran the software (and we use ESPlanner every year). I was very surprised by the results. My husband is 68, made significantly more money than me... I turned 62 last week. Prior to running the software I assumed it would say both of us wait till 70 to collect on our own SS, then when my husband dies I collect the widow benefit. No... the software says I should claim NOW, and my husband should claim spousal on mine then his full at age 70. I thought if I claimed now at 62, it would reduce my portion of my widow benefit later. Am I mistaken on my widow being reduced because I claimed mine at 62? Thank you.

Hi,

Yes. If you are widowed after reaching your full retirement age (FRA) or you wait until FRA to receive widow's benefits in the event you are widowed prior to FRA, your widow's benefits will be unreduced regardless of whether or not you take reduced benefits on your own record.

Best, Jerry