When my father passed away (I was age 14, my mother was 42) my mother collected child-in-care benefits. My mother is now age 64, is she able to collect her deceased husband's social security (he would be age 66) until she is 70 years old?? Or has she forefitted that option since she was given money for 4 years raising me?

Thank you.

Hi,

Potentially, yes. The fact that your mother previously received child-in-care benefits would have no bearing on her current benefit eligibility or benefit rate. So, assuming that your mother meets the requirements for widow's benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0401.html) she could file for reduced widow's benefits now and let her own benefit rate grow until age 70.

However, if your mother's own retirement benefit rate at age 70 would be lower than her unreduced widow's rate, it might be better to file for reduced retirement benefits first and then file for unreduced widow's benefits at her full retirement age (FRA). But, if your mother is still working, her benefits prior to FRA could be subject to full or partial withholding if she earns too much regardless of whether she files for reduced retirement or widow's benefits.

Our maximization software could sort all of this out for your mother and help her determine her optimal strategy for claiming her benefits.

Best, Jerry