Question: My husband died at 54. I went back to work after he became ill. I will apply for survivor benefits when I am 66. As he earned significantly more than me, it would not be beneficial to claim my benefits at age 70. I have two adult disabled children who get disability benefits based on my husband’s earnings. I was told that when I retire and we are all getting benefits based on his earnings, my benefits will be reduced. Is it possible for one of my children to get my Social Security money added to his amount so I will not be penalized and will be able to collect a higher amount from my husband?
Answer: Very sorry for your loss. When you reach age 62 you should, I believe, file for your retirement benefit. If you aren’t earning too much such that the earnings test eliminates your retirement benefit entirely, you’ll collect some retirement benefits through full retirement age that you’d otherwise lose for no good reason.
When you file for your widow benefit at full retirement age or sooner, the family maximums (based on your husband’s and your own work records) can be combined, which will allow both you and your two children to receive survivor benefits unclipped by the family maximum on your husband’s work record.
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