Can I claim my deceased husband's Social Security at 64 while working until 70?

Yes, you CAN collect survivor benefits as early as age 60 (reduced) and then switch to your own retirement benefits later if they'll be higher. But at 64, your survivor benefits will be reduced about 14.3% from the full amount you'd get at your FRA. The key question is whether your own benefit at 70 will be higher than your husband's benefit. The option to take your own reduced benefit now and switch to survivor benefits later typically isn't financially advantageous - survivor benefits don't grow after your FRA like retirement benefits do with delayed retirement credits. Also, if you're still working, be aware of the earnings test - in 2025 if you earn over $22,720, SSA will withhold $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above that limit. The earnings test no longer applies once you reach your full retirement age.

My sister did exactley this!! Started taking her husbands SS when she was 62 (he passed at 59, so sad) and kept working at the hospital. She swiched to her own benefit last year when she turned 70. It worked great for her but I think it depends on how much your husband made vs you?? The SSA office told her she'd get more total $ this way.

Your coworker is partially right, but here's what you need to know: You CAN collect survivor benefits now at 64 and switch to your own at 70, BUT you'll receive reduced survivor benefits (about 14.3% reduction from full amount). The earnings test also applies until your FRA - meaning some benefits could be withheld if you earn above $22,720 in 2025. However, taking your OWN benefits now and switching to survivor benefits later is usually NOT advantageous because survivor benefits don't grow after your FRA. Step 1: Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov to see your estimated benefits. Step 2: Ask SSA for an estimate of your survivor benefits. Then you can compare: 1) reduced survivor benefits now + your own at 70 vs. 2) waiting until FRA for full survivor benefits.

I tried doing something similar and SSA messed up my claim THREE TIMES!!! Each time I called I got different answers and then they sent me a letter saying I wasn't eligible for ANYTHING until FRA even though I'm a widow too! Then they said I had to pay back $11,500 they already sent me!!! The system is BROKEN and they don't know their own rules. Be prepared to fight for months if you try this strategy.

One important thing I forgot to mention - when you look at the earnings test ($22,720 in 2025), that only applies until you reach your FRA. In the year you reach FRA, the threshold is much higher ($60,000+ in 2025) and they only count earnings before the month you reach FRA. After FRA, you can earn unlimited income with no reduction in benefits. So depending on exactly when you turn 67 and how much you earn, the earnings test might not impact you as much as you think.

I tried to figure this out last year and spent 4+ hours on hold with SS trying to get answers!! Eventually I just gave up & decided to wait till FRA. Their phone system is impossible 😫

Everyone's situation is different, so here's what I recommend: 1. Create a my Social Security account at ssa.gov immediately 2. Calculate your own age 70 benefit (shown on your statement) 3. Contact SSA to get your survivor benefit amount (both at 64 and at FRA) 4. If your age 70 benefit > survivor benefit: Consider taking survivor now, own at 70 5. If your survivor benefit > your age 70 benefit: Wait until FRA for unreduced survivor benefit The earnings test is a consideration but remember those reductions are recalculated at FRA. And be aware that survivor benefits taken before FRA are permanently reduced. This claiming strategy is very common for widows/widowers, but the numbers have to make sense for YOUR specific situation.

My condolences on losing your husband. When my wife passed I was so confused about all this too. Just wanted to share that I took survivor benefits at 62 (reduced amount) and kept working. Even with the earnings test reducing some payments, I still came out ahead over the long run compared to waiting. But I also had a pension so your situation might be different.

i think the benefits place can tell u exactly what youd get either way? my neighbor said her benefits statement didn't have the survivor amount on it she had to call and ask specifically

After reading through this thread, I'd suggest scheduling an appointment at your local SSA office if possible. For complex situations involving survivor benefits and optimal claiming strategies, speaking face-to-face with a claims specialist is often more productive than phone calls. Bring as much documentation as possible: your husband's death certificate, both SSNs, marriage certificate, recent tax returns, and employment information. These appointments can be booked through the SSA website or by phone, though waits for appointments can be 2-3 weeks in some areas.