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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.
How Do I Figure Out If I Should File On My Own Record?
I'm 62, began receiving widow's benefits at 61, $2017/mo., based on my deceased husband's income (higher than mine). How do I figure out if it would be more beneficial to me to continue to receive widow's benefits until age 70, or file for SS based on my deceased husband's income?
Hi,
If you are receiving widow's benefits then you must already be drawing on your husband's account, so I'm not entirely sure of what you're asking.
If your own benefit rate would be higher than your widow's rate, it would probably be best for you to wait until age 70 to switch to your own account. If your own rate wouldn't be higher even if you waited until age 70, then there would likely be no advantage to ever filing on your own record.
Using the maximization software on this website would enable you to calculate your benefit rate and help you determine your best filing strategy.
Best, Jerry
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Posted:
November 5, 2017