- How It Works
- ServicesServicesOverviewChoose the right level of support for your plan and needsExpert ReviewA comprehensive review of inputs and reports to get you on the right pathFiling AssistanceLet our experts deal with Social Security for youClawback AssistanceFor those who need help fighting a Social Security benefit clawback
.png)
- Why Choose Us
- ResourcesResourcesBooksFrom the world-renowned economist behind Maximize My Social SecurityWebinars & PodcastsExpert tips and guides to help you get the maximum from Maximize My Social SecurtyArticlesIn-depth commentary on Social Security from our founderAsk LarryThousands of questions answered by our Social Security expertsBlogSocial Security insights to help you maximize your lifetime benefitsFAQYour most pressing questions answered
- Pricing
Ask Larry
Can My Sister Take Her Deceased Husband's Benefit Now And Still Change Over To Her Own Social Security Later?
I purchased your book a couple ofyears ago: Get What's Yours serveral years ago. My sister lost her husband and I wanted to know if she can still take his benefit now and still change over to her social security when she turns 66.5.
Thank you
Jack
Hi Jack. As long as your sister is at least age 60, or at least age 50 and disabled, then the answer is basically yes. She couldn't actually receive her husband's actual benefits, but she could potentially qualify for widow's benefits. However, if your sister is working, the Social Security earnings test could cause some or all of her benefits to be withheld until she reaches full retirement age (FRA).
Your sister's best strategy for claiming benefits depends on a number of different factors, including whether or not her own benefit rate would be higher than her widow's rate. Normally, people eligible for both widow's benefits and retirement benefits would want to start out drawing the lower benefit first and then switch to the higher benefit when it reaches its highest potential rate. Our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) could help sort all of this out for your sister so that she can determine the best strategy for maximizing her benefits.
Best, Jerry