Hi, my husband passed away at 56 in 2012. My son and his girlfriend had a son in 2011. My son and girlfriend are homeless. Her sister cares for my grandson. Is my grandson eligible for survivor benefits? And will this affect my widows benefits when I collect. I am 59 this year. Thanks, Joan

Joan, unfortunately because your husband had adopted your grandchild and your grandchild was not dependent on him, your grandchild cannot receive a survivor's benefit based on your late husband's record. You can collect an early reduced widow's benefit as early as 60 but it will be less than if you wait until your full retirement age (FRA). Depending on the size of your retirement benefit, it may be better to take a reduced widow's benefit now and then switch to your retirement benefit either at FRA or 70 if it would be larger than your widow's benefit. Or it might be best to take a reduced retirement benefit now if your retirement benefit would never be larger than your widow's benefit and then switch to your unreduced widow's benefit at FRA. Our software can determine which strategy will maximize your benefits. Thanks, John