Can I collect both widow's benefits and my social security? Husband died at 65 after collecting disability beginning at age 62 with terminal illness. I make around $50K and was told when I went to social security office upon his death (I was aged 61 at the time) that I made too much money to collect widow's benefits. Is this true? Also, if I decide to retire early and collect on his social security benefits will such be reduced? He was disabled due to terminal illness when he began receiving benefits at age 62. If I can collect widow's benefits may I keep them and collect my social security when I turn 66? Thank you.

You can collect the higher of your widow's benefit or your retirement benefit, you can't collect both at the same time. If you take you widow's benefit early, then it will be reduced. Yes, you can switch to your retirement benefit in the future. Your best strategy may be to take your widow's benefit early and delay your retirement benefit until age 70. Our software, MaximizeMySocialSecurity, can determine your best filing strategy.
Best,
Mike