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But did you know that being a
spouse or a widower gives you even more choices?
For example, if you have
reached your full retirement age when you elect to receive benefits
and are eligible for a spouse’s or ex-spouse’s benefit and your own
retirement benefit, you may choose to receive only spouse’s
benefits. In this way, you can continue to earn delayed retirement
credits on your own Social Security record. You then may file for
benefits on your own record later and receive a higher monthly
benefit based on the effect of delayed retirement credits.
Widows and widowers have
similar options. Widows and widowers can begin receiving Social
Security benefits at age 60, at age 50 if they are disabled, or at
any age if they are caring for the deceased worker’s child who is
younger than 16 or disabled and also entitled to Social Security
benefits on the deceased worker’s record.
Widows and widowers can
take a reduced benefit on one record and later switch to a full
benefit on the other record. For example, a woman could take a
reduced widow’s benefit at age 60 or 62 and then switch to her full
(100 percent) retirement benefit when she reaches full retirement
age.
If you already are
receiving reduced benefits and you then are widowed, you may want to
wait until full retirement age to claim survivor’s benefits. Then
your benefits as a survivor will not be reduced for your age. They
may be reduced, however, if your deceased spouse took benefits early
and was receiving reduced benefits.
The rules vary depending on
the situation, so you should talk to a Social Security
representative about the options available to you. To learn more,
visit
www.socialsecurity.gov
or call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778).
[Judith Bartels]
Social Security District
Manager in Springfield, IL
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