Larry:
My husband died in 2014 but was on disability SS benefits prior to his death from cancer. My current income is gross $43,000 anually. I could use widows benefits but need information on where to start.

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

Whether or not you could be eligible for benefits currently depends on your age, earnings, and your potential benefit rates, but your best strategy is likely one of the following:
1) File for reduced widow's benefits as early as age 60 or as soon as your earnings will permit benefits to be paid, then switch to your own record at age 70; or,
2) File for reduced retirement benefits as early as age 62 or as soon as your earnings will permit benefits to be paid, then file for unreduced widow's benefits at full retirement age.

Assuming that the income you refer to in your question is from working, the Social Security earnings test (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking2.html) will likely be a big factor in determining when you should initially file for benefits. The maximization software available on this website can help you determine which of the above filing strategies is best in your case, as well as when to apply for each type of benefit.

Best, Jerry