Hi, I am 55 will be 56 in October. My husband passed away in 2010 we were married for almost 6 years and have no dependents. I am working full time in a school district. My gross adjusted income in 2015 was 34,315. My husband was collecting full SS due to cancer. I have worked outside the school district throughout the years at times. When should I apply for survivor benefits? Thanks, Annette

Hi Annette, I'm sorry for your loss. It's not possible to say without a lot more information. It depends on your late husband's earnings record as well as yours, including whether you paid Social Security tax on your school district income. You can claim a widow's benefit as early as 60 but this might be unlikely to be your optimal strategy. However, depending on your husband's earnings, your earnings, whether your paid into Social Security and whether you have a non-covered pension, it could be. Our software can determine how to maximize your lifetime benefits. Thanks, John