I am tuning 66 next week. I fileled for my ss 2 weeks ago I am a widower for many years. just found out I could have been receiving my wifes acct for last 4 years . my amount is 1250.00 per month.. hers is about 800.00 per month..Confused should I take hers till 70 or just take mine now??

Hi,

It sounds like you would probably be better off in the long run if you file just for widower's benefits now, and delay filing for your own retirement benefits until age 70. If your own retirement benefit amount at full retirement age would be $1250, it would grow to roughly $1650 if you wait until age 70 to start drawing your own benefits.

However, if you've already filed for your own benefits, you would need to withdraw your application (https://www.ssa.gov/planners/retire/withdrawal.html) and instead file a claim for widower's benefits only. You may want to strongly consider using our software to fully compare your options so that you can be sure to choose the strategy that you feel is best for you based on your assumptions about the future.

Best, Jerry