Can I collect my deceased husband's Social Security at 60 while still working? Trying to maximize my own benefits

Yes, u can start survivor benefits at 60 but since ur still working ur benefits will b reduced by earnings test if u make over limit. In 2025 I think u lose $1 in benefits for every $2 u earn over like $22,500 (rough number). That earnings limit goes away at ur FRA. And yep, u CAN collect survivor benefits at 60 then switch to ur own HIGHER benefit later. Smart strategy. That's what my sister did. Took reduced survivors at 60 then switched at 67 to her own. But I'd get a benefits estimate from SSA to make sure ur own will actually be higher.

I want to give you some precise information since this is an important financial decision. When you turn 60, you can indeed claim survivor benefits while working, but there are several key factors to consider: 1. At age 60, you'll receive 71.5% of your husband's full benefit amount (what he would have received at his full retirement age). 2. The earnings test will apply until you reach your full retirement age. For 2025, the exempt amount is projected to be around $22,800. For every $2 you earn above this limit, $1 will be withheld from benefits. With a $75,000 salary, a substantial portion of your survivor benefits would be withheld. 3. Your strategy of claiming survivor benefits while letting your own retirement benefit grow is called "claiming twice" and can be an excellent approach if your own benefit at FRA or age 70 will exceed the survivor benefit. 4. Investment income (interest, dividends, capital gains) does NOT count toward the earnings test - only wages or self-employment income. I'd recommend getting a benefit estimate from SSA for both your survivor benefit and your own retirement benefit to make sure this strategy makes financial sense in your situation.

so sorry about ur husband. i did almost the exact same thing ur planning. took my husbands benefit at 60, still working part time. they did reduce my check A LOT the first couple years cuz of the earnings limit but once i hit 62 i cut back my hours and it helped. now im 66 and switched to my own benefit last month which is higher. best decision i made!! but the SSA office was IMPOSSIBLE to reach when i needed to make the switch. took weeks of calling

There's some misinformation here that I want to correct. When you claim survivor benefits at 60, you'll receive 71.5% of your husband's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), not his FRA amount. There's an important distinction. Also, while the "claim twice" strategy can be beneficial, you need to carefully consider: 1. Your survivor benefit will be capped at your husband's maximum benefit, even after you reach your FRA. 2. If your husband claimed early (before his FRA), this will permanently reduce the survivor benefit you're eligible for. 3. Your own benefit continues to grow by 8% annually between your FRA and age 70, so waiting to switch can be advantageous. The earnings test is also more complex than some have described. Between age 60-FRA, the SSA withholds $1 for every $2 earned above the limit, but in the year you reach FRA, they only withhold $1 for every $3 earned above a higher limit. Finally, any benefits withheld due to working are not truly "lost" - they're added back to your benefit calculation when you reach FRA.

Has anyone here actually tried to get an accurate benefit estimate directly from SSA lately? I HAVE and it was a complete joke! The first rep gave me one number, the second gave me a completely different estimate. Then I tried the online calculator and got a THIRD number. I don't trust ANY of them at this point. I finally had to hire a financial advisor who specializes in SS benefits just to get straight answers. The system is deliberately confusing to discourage people from maximizing their benefits IMHO.

One thing nobody mentioned - if u remarry BEFORE 60, u lose eligibility for survivor benefits from ur first husband. After 60, remarriage doesnt affect survivor benefits. Not saying ur planning to remarry but something to keep in mind if u meet someone!

I tried doing exactly what ur planning - taking my late husbands benefit at 60 while working. BIG MISTAKE!!! They took almost ALL of it back because of my income. I was making about $65k and barely saw any survivor benefits until I retired at 63. Just something to consider - might be better to just wait if ur gonna keep working at that salary.