I will be retiring next year at the age of 62 and want to file for my deceased husband's social security benefits. He passed away at a young age so I know that I have paid in more to SS than he did. My plan is to wait to file for my benefits until my full retirement age of 66 & 4months. Does this sound like a reasonable plan?

Hi,

It's reasonable, but not likely to be your best option. Also, the calculation of your potential widow's rate is complex, so you shouldn't assume that your widow's rate would necessarily be lower than your own retirement rate.

Your best filing strategy is likely one of the following:
1) File for reduced widow's benefits now 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 at 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.

Our maximization software 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