my husband passed away last month at age 61 i am age 60 he was just put on disability but not social security before he passed away he was
earning around 67,000 per year i am making 41,000 per year but not i will all so be receiving his pension from work wish is 8604 year so do i still qualify for any other money i plan to retire at age 62 and than do i take my ss and wait to take his till im 70
thanks for your help

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

Your best strategy is likely one of the following:
1) File for reduced widow's benefits now or as soon as your earnings will permit payment of benefits, then switch to your own record at age 70; or,
2) File for reduced retirement benefits on your own record at age 62 or as soon as your earnings will permit payment of benefits, then file for unreduced widow's benefits at your full retirement age.

You should probably start out with the lower of your two potential benefit rates, and save the higher rate for last. And, the Social Security earnings test (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/whileworking2.html) could affect when you will want to apply. The maximization software available on this website can help you determine which strategy is best in your case, and when would be the best time to apply for each type of benefit.

Also, you would likely qualify for a one-time death benefit of $255 on your husband's record, but you will need to file an application for it.

Best, Jerry