Hi Larry.

My wife passed away 5 years ago after 29 years of marriage. Her Social security will be a lot less than mine. I turn 60 this year and can file for survivor benefits. However, I am confused about whether I should file this year or not. I am currently laid off (and thinking of making it permanent by retiring) but am expecting a job offer. If I take the offer, then I will make at least $80,000/year. This is of course above the minimum before they take money from that survivor social security. So does it make sense to file for the survivor benefit if I am working. If it matters, it would be around $770/month.

Thanks,
Glenn

Hi Glenn. I'm sorry for your loss. It sounds like your best option would be to file for widower's benefits as soon as your earnings will allow you to collect at least some benefits, and then switch to your own benefits at age 70. You should be able to collect benefits for any months that you're at least age 60 and not working, so if you're still laid off when you turn age 60 it may be best to start collecting then. If you subsequently resume working you just need to make sure you let Social Security know as soon as possible so that they can start withholding your benefits as needed.

If you're already back to work by the time you turn age 60, then your best filing strategy would depend on your survivor rate and the amount of your earnings. You may want to strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully analyze the options available to you in order to determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry