I'm a 54 yr old widow that was married for 33 years. At what age can I draw Survivors SS benefits and still continue to work earning more than $70k per year? I was planning on drawing on my own SS at age 67 or 70. (his SS benefits is only $100 less than what I would collect at age 67).

Hi,

Based on the current earnings test rules and amounts you probably wouldn't be able to earn over $70K and still receive widow's benefits until the year that you reach your full retirement age of 67. It would actually depend on your benefit rate and the future earnings test exempt amounts, though, so you should probably check when you get close to age 60 to see whether or not if might be possible to draw at least some widow's benefits sooner.

Based on your description it sounds like your best strategy would likely be to file for your widow's benefits at age 60, or as soon as your earnings will permit at least some benefits to be paid, then switch to your own record at age 70. However, you may want to strongly consider using our maximization software in order to verify that that is in fact your best strategy.

Best, Jerry