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Experts at Maximize My Social Security have answered more than 10,000 questions about Social Security over many years. Search for your questions and answers here.
Can I Draw Both Retirement And Survivor Benefits At The Same Time?
Hi, I am currently collecting Widow's Divorced Survivors Benefits, and I plan to file for my retirement social security benefits in May of 2018 when I turn 65. Will I be able to collect both benefits at the same time? Thank you.
Hi,
No. Whenever you file for your retirement benefits you'll only receive the higher of your two benefit rates. If your retirement rate is lower than your survivor rate, Social Security will pay you your retirement benefit plus a partial survivor benefit equal to the difference in the two rates. That would simply result in a combined benefit rate equal to the higher survivor rate.
It sounds like it would probably be more advantageous for you to wait until age 70 to file for your retirement benefits, but I don't have enough details about your case to say for sure. You may want to run the maximization software available on this website in order to be sure that you choose the best possible filing strategy.
Best, Jerry
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Posted:
June 22, 2017