I am a widow and planning on taking my SS at 62 . I would like to take survivor benefit at full retirement age 6710 months. My husband was higher earner and started his at his full retirement age 66 (5 months before he passed) Still makes me cry . Not sure how to apply. I was told by SS they do not take restricted applications anymore. I am worried about losing Survivor Benefit at full retirement age. Also should I wait until Congress /Biden gets there act together. I heard they were going to make changes to Survivors Benefits .Thanks Mary

Hi Mary. I'm sorry for your loss. If your unreduced widow's rate would be higher than your own benefit rate even if you waited until age 70 to start drawing your benefits, then it sounds like your best filing strategy would be to apply for reduced retirement benefits on your own record at age 62 or as soon as your earnings will permit at least some benefits to be paid, then file for unreduced widow's benefits at your full retirement age (FRA). Your actual FRA depends on your year of birth, but it couldn't be any later than the month you reach age 67.

I can't predict the future, but I would be absolutely shocked if Congress made any changes to the Social Security law that would alter your optimal strategy. You may want to consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully analyze the options available to you in order to verify your optimal strategy for maximizing your benefits.

You can apply for your benefits online at https://secure.ssa.gov/iClaim/rib. You can't apply more than 4 months prior to the month that you want to claim benefits, though. What you were apparently told about Social Security not accepting restricted applications is not true. You can restrict widow's benefits from the scope of your application by adding a statement in the remarks section such as: 'I wish to exclude widows benefits from the scope of this application'.

Your other option would be to apply by phone, in which case you'd want to call Social Security at 800-772-1213.

Best, Jerry