Hi. My husband passed away 2 years ago. I was 48 and my kids were 16,14 and 10 at the time. We all collect survivor benefits, except for my oldest who aged out, but his portion was redistributed to the rest of us. I am wondering if I will still continue to receive my benefits once my youngest ages out. I will be 55 at that time. Thank you in advance for your assistance! Adriana

Hi Adriana,

I'm sorry for your loss.

Actually, unless at least one of your children are disabled by Social Security standards your child in care benefits will end when your youngest child reaches age 16 (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0415.html). You could then become eligible for reduced widow's benefits as early as age 60, or even earlier if you are disabled.

If you will also qualify for Social Security retirement benefits based on your own work record and you aren't disabled, your best future filing strategy is likely one of the following:
1) File for reduced 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; or,
2) File for reduced retirement benefits at age 62 or as soon as your earnings will permit at least some benefits to be paid, then file for unreduced widow's benefits at your full retirement age (FRA). However, if your spouse received reduced retirement benefits prior to his death then it may be more advantageous to file for survivor benefits before you reach full retirement age.

Normally, you would want to start out drawing the lower benefit first and then switch to the higher record when it reaches it's highest potential rate. Our maximization software could sort all of this out for you and help you determine your optimal strategy for the future.

Best, Jerry