Hi Larry,

I am a 57 year old widow whose disabled spouse died 7 years ago. We have mentally disabled adult child who receives SSI with survivor benefits. Since my husband's death, I've met someone and I've hesitated on a proposal of marriage mainly because I am a worrier. After losing one spouse to whom I waa with 26 years and knowing I will be responsible for my child for life, I'm concerned if I remarry I will lose my widow's benefit and this new gentleman does not earn nearly as much as my husband did or as much as I do now in my work career. That said, I also wonder if it even matters. When my husband died I made 70K annually and he collected SSI and disability bringing home roughly 40K per year. I now make well over 275K per year and should I die, I believe our daughter would be entitled to survivor benefits based on my income along with other means I've set up for her care. However, I worry. Would it be more beneficial for me to wait until 60 to remarry? Incouldncollecr benefits at that time and leave my fill benefits for age 70. I also worry I may earn too much to collect my former husband's benefit. Lastly, I worry that anything could happen and I may not make this kind of money in two years. I could lose my job or fall ill. I'm in a conundrum as I do not want to miss a good life for a few dollars but I also don't want to lose a benefit that I my need should I find myself unemployed between now and age 60. For the record, I plan to retire at 70.

Hi. I'm sorry for your loss. Here's what I can tell you. Regardless of if and when you remarry, it wouldn't affect your own Social Security retirement benefit rate nor your options with regard to claiming your own benefits. However, if you remarry prior to age 60, then you won't be able to collect widow's benefits on your first husband's Social Security record for as long as your remarriage continues. But, if you remarry at age 60 or later, then it sounds like you may be able to benefit from collecting widow's benefits early while waiting until age 70 to claim your own benefits.

How early that you could potentially collect widow's benefits would depend on how much you'll be earning annually from age 60 to your full retirement age (FRA) of 67. If you'll be earning anywhere close to the amount that you say you're currently earning per year, then you likely couldn't be paid any widow's benefits at least until the year that you reach FRA.

It also sounds like your disabled child may qualify for a higher monthly Social Security benefit rate when you start collecting your benefits, so that could be another factor that you may want to consider. But, if your child is receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefits, then any increase in her Social Security benefit amount would reduce her SSI payments dollar for dollar.

Our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) allows people to compare personalized what-if scenarios so that they can determine their best strategy for claiming benefits. Therefore, you should strongly consider using the software so to compare and analyze all of your various options so that you can determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry