Ask Larry

Will The Pension I Receive Affect My Social Security Benefits?

I currently receive an pension from my deceased spouse. It DOES NOT come from the Federal Government. My spouse was medically retired from his employer and I recieve his benefits from there. Would I still be able to collect widows benefits from SS at age 60 under his plan and then collect my full benefit at age 70?

Hi,

Assuming the pension to which you refer is based on your husband's work and not your own, it will have no effect on your potential widow's benefits or retirement benefits. And, yes, you could potentially receive reduced widow's benefits starting at age 60 and then switch to your own record at age 70. You may want to consider running the maximization software available on this website in order to make sure that this is your best option, though.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
May 3 2017 - 8:59am
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