If I file for SS benefits at 64.4 and then my husband, who was born 4-13-53 files for a restricted spousal benefit at 66, so his SS can grow till 70, but he should die at 68, could I then suspend mine, take a widow benefit at 66 and let my SS grow until maxed out at 70, and then go back to my SS??????

Hi,

No. Once you file for your own retirement benefits that becomes your primary benefit for life. If you subsequently become entitled to a higher widow's benefit, what you would then get is your own benefit plus a partial widow's benefit that would add up to the higher widow's rate. And, if you suspended your own benefits you could not even receive the partial widow's benefit under the new law that Congress passed in 2015 (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/suspendfaq.html).

You and your husband should strongly consider using the maximization software available on this website to explore your filing options and determine your best overall strategy.

Best, Jerry