My wife passed away from cancer 28 months ago, she was 68 and I am 61. She started collecting social security at 62 and we were getting 450. A month . After she passed away I have stopped receiving her social security ,
I am wondering is that correct? I will be working at least another 6 years , should I still be receiving her social security
Thankyou mark

Hi Mark,

I'm sorry for your loss.

No, you could not continue to receive your wife's Social Security benefits. A person's benefit payments stop effective with the month of their death, regardless of whether or not there's a surviving spouse.

However, since you are over age 60 you could file for widower's benefits based on your wife's record. But, since you are still working Social Security would need to withhold $1 of your widower's benefits for each $2 that you earn in excess of $17,640 this year. So, depending on how much you are earning, you may or may not be able to actually collect benefits.

Assuming that your own Social Security retirement benefit rate will be higher than your wife's rate, your optimal filing strategy would likely be to file for widower's benefits now or as soon as your earnings will allow at least some benefits to be paid, and then switch to your own Social Security retirement benefits at age 70. Our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) could help you determine your precise best filing strategy.

Best, Jerry