My husband passed away recently. He waited until he was 70 to claim his SS. He was 10 years older than I, so I claimed my much smaller benefit when I turned 62. I turned 64 in August 2021, and have another 2 plus years before I am FRA. When I called SSA to discuss my Survivor benefit choices, I asked if I had the option of waiting until I was FRA, continuing to receive my benefit untiI I could claim 100% of my deceased husband’s benefit. The SSA person who was assisting me seemed not to understand my question. She told me I would probably be receiving “90 something percent” of his benefit, so what was the issue.? What is the policy? Do I have this option?? I still have not received my letter telling me my new benefit-thank you for any help! Lisa

Hi Lisa. I'm sorry for your loss. Yes, you can continue to draw just your own benefit until full retirement age (FRA) and then claim unreduced widow's benefits. You'll then be paid your husband's full benefit rate including the delayed retirement credits (DRC) he earned by waiting until age 70 to claim his benefits. You won't get both your own amount and your husband's full amount, though, just the higher of the two amounts.

By the way, if you were born in 1957 then your FRA for widow's benefits is the month you turn age 66 and 2 months. The FRA for widow's benefits for people born in 1957 is 4 months earlier than their FRA for retirement benefits.

Best, Jerry