Important things I have learned about Social Security:
- You can start collecting Widow’s Benefits at age 60. This will be at a much lower rate than if you wait until your full retirement age.
- However, taking Widow’s benefits will NOT affect your personal Social Security. You can wait till as late as age 70 and switch to your own benefits at the full rate.
- You also have the option of taking your own SS at 62 and waiting to collect your widow’s benefits at 67 or 70 at the latest.
- You cannot apply for Widow’s benefits using the online form. You must call and make an appointment to go in-person or have a phone interview. You will also need to take or send them your marriage license.
- Be sure to fill out the form to have taxes withheld from your SS. Otherwise there will be penalties unless you want to pay the taxes quarterly.
- You can go to https://www.ssa.gov and create a login for yourself. There are calculators that show you what your SS benefits will be based on, your current salary and your desired retirement date. It doesn’t seem to have a way to calculate survivor’s benefits for yourself. Only a way to calculate what your survivors would receive from you.
Social Security Resources:
SS Retirement Benefits Booklet: https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10035.pdf
SS Survivor’s Benefits Information: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/survivors/ifyou.html