My husband died in 1999, I returned to work and have been working since.
I am now 54. When should I collect my widows benefits vs. my own social security. I plan to retire at about 62-64 years but I was wondering options. Also, what would happen if I became disabled. My husband earned 55,000 when he died and I do not make more than that. Thank you for your time.

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

Your best filing strategy is likely one of the following:
1) File for reduced widow's benefits at age 60 or as soon as your earnings will permit benefits to be paid, then switch to your own record at age 70; or,
2) File for reduced retirement benefits on your own record at age 62 or as soon as your earnings will permit benefits to be paid, then file for unreduced widow's benefits at full retirement age (FRA).

If you become disabled before FRA your best strategy would depend on a number of variables such as your age at the time of your disability onset, whether or not you are already drawing benefits at that time, and the relative rates of your widow's and retirement benefits.

Our maximization software can factor in all of the above variables and determine which of filing strategies mentioned above is best in your case, as well as when to apply for each type of benefit.

Best, Jerry