husband died 2 yrs ago 2 weeks after a 3 yr battle for ssdi benefits.. a check for 22k back pay arrived the day after he died. I returned the check to ss because it was made out to him in his name only. ss then sent me a check for 19k, less 3k for his attorney fees. From that point ss says i am now collecting his ss benefits. However, i work full time and make over 4k a month so i dont get a cent, but none the less i am deemed to be collecting his benefits. So I was thinking of retiring this yr at age 65 but was told by ss that i would have to pay back the 19k if i retired early. ??

Hi,

I'm sorry for your loss.

I can't see how your options with regard to drawing widow's benefits could be in any way related to the back pay you received on behalf of your husband, nor can I think of any reason why Social Security would ask you to return it.

Your best strategy is likely one of the following:
1) File for reduced widow's benefits 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 as soon as your earnings will permit benefits to be paid, then file for unreduced widow's benefits at full retirement age.

Our maximization software can help you determine which of the above filing strategies is best in your case, as well as when to apply for each type of benefit. It sounds like you may have already inadvertently filed for widow's benefits, but you should be able to withdraw that application if option 2 would be best in your case.

Best, Jerry