Can I collect Social Security widow benefits at 60 and switch to my own higher SS benefits at 65?

First, I'm very sorry for your loss. Yes, you can absolutely start receiving reduced widow's benefits at 60 and then switch to your own retirement benefits later. This is actually a smart strategy if your own benefit will be higher. The widow's benefit would be reduced because you're taking it before your full retirement age (which is probably around 67 for you), but this reduction does NOT affect your own retirement benefit when you switch later. When you switch to your own benefit, you'll receive the full amount you're entitled to based on your age at that time. Just be aware that if you're still working while collecting widow's benefits between 60-FRA, you'll be subject to the earnings test (which can reduce your benefits if you earn above certain thresholds).

So sorry about ur husband. I did somthing similar when my Jerry passed. Started on his record at 61 (couldn't wait til 60, needed money) and took my own at 66. The SSA people were actually helpful about it but waiting on the phone took FOREVER!!!

You're on the right track with your thinking. This strategy is sometimes called "restricting the scope of your application" and it can be very beneficial. When you apply at 60, you'll want to be explicit that you're ONLY applying for survivor benefits. Regarding the earnings test - for 2025, the limit will likely be around $22,000-23,000 (it's $21,240 for 2023 and increases annually). Since you earn $85,000, you would lose some of your widow's benefits while working. The reduction is $1 for every $2 you earn above the limit. However, once you reach your Full Retirement Age, those reductions are recalculated and you get the money back in the form of higher monthly payments. Despite the earnings test reduction, it might still be worth claiming at 60 because whatever widow's benefits you do receive are essentially "free money" that wouldn't affect your own retirement benefit amount later.

I'm so sorry for your loss. I just went through what you're planning. I started taking my late husband's SS at 60 (reduced amount of course) and just switched to my own higher benefit when I turned 67 last month. One thing NOBODY warned me about - you need to schedule an appointment with SSA about 3 months before you want to switch to your own benefit. I tried calling their regular number for WEEKS and couldn't get through. Spent hours on hold and got disconnected multiple times. So frustrating!! I finally used this service called Claimyr (claimyr.com) that got me connected to an actual SSA agent within 20 minutes. They have a video showing how it works here: https://youtu.be/Z-BRbJw3puU. Totally worth it because I was able to get everything straightened out before my birthday instead of missing out on payments. Just a heads up so you don't go through what I did!

Just so u know my mom tried this and they MESSED UP everything!!! She ended up getting LESS money overall becuz they calculated something wrong when she switched. Make SURE u get everything in writing and triple check what they tell u. SSA makes so many mistakes its not even funny.

The switching strategy you're describing is EXACTLY what my financial advisor recommended to me when my husband died!! But then when I went to SSA to apply they tried to tell me I had to apply for BOTH widow AND retirement at 60!!! I had to literally show them their OWN RULES printed from their website before the supervisor admitted I was right. Don't trust the first person you talk to at SSA - they are NOT all trained properly!!!

To follow up on some of the questions raised: Yes, bringing printed documentation of SSA policies is smart. The specific rule you want is called "deemed filing," but importantly, deemed filing does NOT apply to survivor benefits. This means you can file for just widow's benefits without being forced to take your retirement. Regarding your salary and the earnings test - with $85,000 income, you would be about $62,000 over the limit. That means approximately $31,000 would be deducted from your annual widow's benefits. If your widow's benefit amount is less than that, you might not receive payments while working, but you should still apply at 60 to establish eligibility. Then when you reduce hours or stop working before switching to your own benefit, you could receive those widow's benefits. Remember that at your Full Retirement Age, the earnings test disappears completely.

did anyone else get a tax surprise when they started getting SS widows benefits?? I sure did!! had to pay way more than expected my first year getting them since i was still working

My buddy at work says his mom did this exact thing and she gets way more money now than her friends who didn't know about this strategy. Smart thinking!

One final point I want to clarify - you mentioned switching at 65, but you might want to consider waiting until your Full Retirement Age (probably 67) or even age 70 to switch to your own benefit if you can afford to do so. Your own retirement benefit continues to grow until age 70, increasing approximately 8% per year past your FRA. This could significantly increase your lifetime benefits if you're in good health and expect to live into your 80s or beyond.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Donna. Losing a spouse suddenly is devastating, and dealing with Social Security on top of grief is overwhelming. I went through something similar when my wife passed three years ago. You're absolutely right about the strategy - you can claim widow's benefits at 60 and later switch to your own higher benefit. Just want to add a couple things from my experience: 1) When you do apply at 60, be very clear you want ONLY survivor benefits. I had to correct the SSA representative twice during my appointment because they kept trying to file for both. 2) Consider scheduling your appointment online at ssa.gov rather than calling. Much easier than sitting on hold. 3) Your widow's benefit will be reduced to about 71.5% of your husband's full benefit since you're taking it early, but again, this doesn't affect your own benefit later. You're smart to think ahead on this. The combination of widow's benefits early plus your own higher benefit later can really help maximize your lifetime Social Security income. Take care of yourself during this difficult time.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Donna. Losing a spouse unexpectedly is heartbreaking, and trying to navigate Social Security rules while grieving is incredibly difficult. Your strategy is absolutely sound - many financial advisors recommend exactly what you're thinking. You can claim reduced widow's benefits at 60 and then switch to your own (higher) retirement benefit later without any penalty to your own record. A few additional thoughts from someone who works in retirement planning: 1) Even though the earnings test will likely reduce your widow's benefits significantly with your $85k nursing salary, you should still file at 60 to establish your claim. Social Security rules change, your income might change, and you want that option available. 2) Document everything. Take notes during calls, get confirmation numbers, and save all correspondence. Some of the horror stories you hear about mistakes could be avoided with good record-keeping. 3) Consider consulting with a fee-only financial planner who specializes in Social Security optimization before you turn 60. The small cost upfront could save you thousands over your lifetime. You're asking all the right questions and thinking strategically during an incredibly difficult time. That shows real strength. This community is here to support you through the process.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Donna. What you're going through is incredibly difficult, and it's completely understandable that all of this feels overwhelming right now. Your strategy is exactly right and is actually a common recommendation from Social Security experts. You can absolutely start collecting reduced widow's benefits at 60 and then switch to your own higher retirement benefit later - this won't reduce what you'll eventually receive from your own work record. Since you mentioned you're a nurse making around $85,000, I wanted to add one practical consideration: even though the earnings test will likely reduce or eliminate your widow's benefits while you're working full-time, it's still worth applying at 60. Here's why - any benefits that are "withheld" due to the earnings test aren't actually lost forever. Once you reach your full retirement age, Social Security recalculates your benefit and gives you credit for those withheld payments through higher monthly amounts. Also, your situation could change - you might decide to reduce your hours, take a lower-paying position, or circumstances might change in other ways that would make those widow's benefits valuable. The most important thing is to be very explicit when you apply that you want ONLY survivor benefits. Don't let them talk you into filing for both - you have the right to restrict your application. Take care of yourself during this difficult time. You're being smart to plan ahead, and this community is here to help you navigate the process.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Donna. Losing a spouse suddenly is one of life's most difficult challenges, and you're being incredibly strong by planning ahead during such a painful time. Your strategy is absolutely correct and is actually considered one of the smartest Social Security optimization approaches for widows. Yes, you can start collecting reduced widow's benefits at 60 and later switch to your own higher retirement benefit without any impact on what you'll receive from your own work record. A few key points to keep in mind: - Your widow's benefit at 60 will be about 71.5% of your husband's full benefit amount - When you switch to your own benefit later, you'll get the full amount based on your age at that time - The earnings test will likely reduce your widow's benefits while you're working, but those "lost" benefits get recalculated into higher payments once you reach full retirement age Given your nursing background, you probably have strong attention to detail - use that skill when dealing with SSA. Be very clear that you want ONLY survivor benefits when you apply, and document every interaction. One suggestion: consider whether waiting until 67 or even 70 to claim your own benefit might be worth it, since your retirement benefit grows about 8% per year past full retirement age until 70. You're asking all the right questions and thinking strategically. This community will be here to support you through the process. Take care of yourself.