I plan to file for my widows benefits at my full FRA age 66. I want to wait until 70 to claim my own benefits. My husband filed for his benefits early at age 63.
My question is will SS let me waive my benefits until 70 and apply for my widows benefits even though my benefits at age 66 will be a lot higher then the widows benefits?
I heard SS will not allow you to waive until 70 if you benefits are higher.
Thank you!

Hi,

Yes, you can potentially draw widow's benefits while delaying your own retirement benefits until age 70 regardless of which benefit rate is higher. It sounds like your on the right track with your strategy, but it may be more advantageous for you to start drawing your widow's benefits sooner than age 66. Whether or not you could do that depends on how much you are earning. Since you'll be switching to your higher retirement benefits at age 70, you'd want to start drawing your widow's benefits as soon as your earnings would allow you to receive at least some benefits.

Furthermore, if your husband drew reduced retirement benefits prior to his death, your widow's benefit rate would reach it's highest potential rate at some point prior to your full retirement age (FRA). Your monthly benefit rate as a widow would be limited to no more than the higher of a) 82.5% of your husband's primary insurance amount (PIA), or b) the reduced rate that your husband would be receiving if he was still living. Our maximization software could help you determine the optimal time for you to file for your widow's benefits.

Best, jerry