Ask Larry

Can My Sister Take Her Deceased Husband's Benefit Now And Still Change Over To Her Own Social Security Later?

I purchased your book a couple ofyears ago: Get What's Yours serveral years ago. My sister lost her husband and I wanted to know if she can still take his benefit now and still change over to her social security when she turns 66.5.
Thank you
Jack

Hi Jack. As long as your sister is at least age 60, or at least age 50 and disabled, then the answer is basically yes. She couldn't actually receive her husband's actual benefits, but she could potentially qualify for widow's benefits. However, if your sister is working, the Social Security earnings test could cause some or all of her benefits to be withheld until she reaches full retirement age (FRA).

Your sister's best strategy for claiming benefits depends on a number of different factors, including whether or not her own benefit rate would be higher than her widow's rate. Normally, people eligible for both widow's benefits and retirement benefits would want to start out drawing the lower benefit first and then switch to the higher benefit when it reaches its highest potential rate. Our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) could help sort all of this out for your sister so that she can determine the best strategy for maximizing her benefits.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Jun 30 2022 - 4:06pm
MaxiFi software running on a laptop
Get What's Yours!
Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars with Maximize My Social Security software!
  • Find your maximized strategy
  • Unlimited what-ifs
  • Step-by-Step filing instructions
  • Our software's lifetime-benefit increase for an illustrative couple earning $65K each and planning to take retirement benefits at 62.

    Results will differ based on your specific case and filing strategy.

Getting Started is Easy
Web-based software. Works on ALL browsers. No download.