Hi Larry, I purchased the Get What's Yours book and I am still unclear as to what would benefit me best. My husband passed away in 2003 at 49 years (15 days from 50 years). I think he received SSDI for 3 months. I am 61 years 7 months young, I am currently unemployed receiving VA compensation and have been disabled since 2012 (not on SSDI). I received (Mothers) Family benefits until 2007. I am unsure if I qualify for the disabled widow's benefit or the widow's benefit. I could use some extra income at this time, but, I want to do what's best for now with my future in mind. Which do I qualify for and would my current income be included or held against me (windfall or as disability)? Would it be advantageous to file now or wait? And if wait, until when? Would I also be able to file for my own SS at age 70 if it's higher than my widow's benefit at that time? As you can tell I have many questions. Thanks in advance for you insight and help.

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

You don't need to qualify for disabled widow's benefits to become entitled to benefits on your husband's record. In fact, no one can become entitled to disabled widow's benefits after they reach age 60 since they can qualify for regular widow's benefits at that time even if they aren't disabled.

Depending on your potential benefit rates as a widow and on your own record, it sounds like your best strategy is probably one of the following:
1) File for reduced widow's benefits now, then switch to your own record at age 70; or,
2) File for reduced retirement benefits on your own record at age 62, then file for unreduced widow's benefits at your full retirement age.

However, if you could qualify for disability benefits (SSDI) on your own record, it might be better to file for those benefits now and also apply for additional widow's benefits if your widow's rate would be higher than your SSDI rate. Our maximization software can compare all of your options and help you determine which of these filing strategies would be best in your case.

Best, Jerry