My father died right after retirement from GM and my mother got his retirement benefit and then took a lump sum buyout. My father made significantly more money working than my mother. She is now collecting social security and wants to know if she can switch to the benefit amount my father would have collected if he were alive which should be higher than hers?

Hi,

Potentially, yes. She wouldn't actually switch to a widow's benefit, but she could potentially be eligible for an additional widow's benefit that would be added to her own retirement benefit amount to give her a combined benefit rate of up to your father's full rate.

Assuming that your mother meets the requirements for widow's benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0401.html), she would want to file as soon as possible if she is already at least full retirement age (FRA). But, if she's under full retirement age and receiving reduced benefits, it may be more advantageous for her to wait until FRA to claim widow's benefits. The maximization software available on this website can help her determine the best time to file.

Best, Jerry