Social Security survivor benefits while still working at 60 - can I collect after husband's death?

I'm very sorry for your loss. Yes, you can collect survivor benefits now even while working, but there are earnings limits to consider at your age. Since you're 60 and not at your full retirement age, if you earn more than $23,920 in 2025, your survivor benefits will be reduced by $1 for every $2 you earn above that limit. Given that your income is higher than your husband's was, you might still want to apply now to establish eligibility, but be aware that your benefit will be reduced not only due to your age (claiming before your FRA) but also due to your earnings. You'll get a small check or possibly no check at all until your earnings decrease or you reach full retirement age.

u should apply now anyways. establishes ur right to the benefit. they might not pay u anything now because of working but at least ur in the system. better to do it now while everything is fresh

I was in almost EXACTLY your situation last year - my husband passed at 65 (was taking SS since 62) and I was 61 and still working. The SSA actually told me NOT to apply yet because my earnings were too high to receive anything anyway. When I retire next year they said I can apply then and get the full survivor benefit without the earnings test. Hope your appointment goes better than mine did - I waited on hold for 3 HOURS before they disconnected me! Had to reschedule everything.

So sorry about your husband! My sister went through this last year. Just FYI, don't forget that there's also a one-time death benefit of $255 from Social Security. It's not much but every bit helps with funeral expenses.

The most important thing to understand is that there are two key factors affecting your survivor benefits: your age when claiming and your earnings while collecting. At 60, you're eligible for 71.5% of your husband's full benefit amount. This reduction is permanent if you claim now. However, you face an additional reduction due to the earnings test until you reach your Full Retirement Age (probably 67 for you). Strategically, you have options: 1. Apply now - establish eligibility but receive reduced or no payments due to earnings 2. Wait until your earnings decrease 3. Wait until your FRA when the earnings test disappears 4. Wait until 70 when your own retirement benefit might exceed the survivor benefit Given your work history, your own retirement benefit might eventually be higher than the survivor benefit. In that case, you could potentially take reduced survivor benefits now (or when your earnings allow), then switch to your own higher benefit at 70.

im so sorry for ur loss. this system is so COMPLICATED!!! nobody can understand it and they make it so hard on purpose!!!! when my husband died they kept telling me different things every time i called. the left hand doesn't know what the right is doing at SSA!!

I just remembered something - when you talk to SSA, ask them to calculate and compare what your widow's benefit would be at different ages. Depending on your and your husband's earnings records, you might be better off taking your own retirement at 62 and switching to survivor benefits at your FRA (or vice versa). The math gets complicated but it can make a big difference in lifetime benefits.

One more important point: Even if you apply now and are eligible for $0 due to the earnings test, applying establishes your eligibility at age 60, which locks in that benefit reduction rate (71.5% of your husband's PIA). If you wait until later to apply, you would get a higher percentage based on your age at application. This means if you expect to work at this income level for several more years, it might actually be advantageous to wait until closer to your FRA to apply for survivor benefits, especially if you plan to eventually claim your own retirement benefit instead. Documents you'll need for your appointment: your marriage certificate, your husband's death certificate, both your SSNs, and information about your current earnings.

forgot to say - when my mom was in ur situation she got the $255 death benefit right away but had to wait on the monthly survivor checks until she cut back her hours at work. once she went part time she started getting a small amount each month.

I'm so sorry for your loss, AstroAce. Going through this while grieving is incredibly difficult. Based on what others have shared, it sounds like you have some important decisions to make about timing. Given that you're earning significantly more than the $23,920 limit and plan to work 2-5 more years, you might want to ask SSA during your appointment about the pros and cons of waiting to apply. As StarStrider mentioned, applying now would lock in the 71.5% rate permanently, even if you receive $0 due to earnings. However, if you wait until closer to your FRA to apply for survivor benefits, you'd get a higher percentage. And since your own earnings history sounds strong, your personal retirement benefit at 70 might exceed the survivor benefit anyway. Key questions for your SSA appointment: - What would your survivor benefit be at different claiming ages? - What's your projected retirement benefit at 62, FRA, and 70? - Would a "claim survivor benefits later, switch to own benefit at 70" strategy work better? - If you reduce hours in 1-2 years, how would that affect your options? Document everything they tell you and get their employee ID. You're asking all the right questions - don't let them rush you into a decision during that call.

I'm so sorry for your loss, AstroAce. Having gone through something similar myself a few years ago, I know how overwhelming all of this can feel when you're already dealing with grief. From reading through all the excellent advice here, it sounds like you're in a position where waiting might actually be beneficial. Since you're earning well above the earnings limit and planning to work several more years, applying now would lock you into that 71.5% rate permanently while potentially giving you $0 in actual benefits. One thing I didn't see mentioned - make sure to ask SSA about "protective filing." This allows you to establish an application date while giving you time to gather information and make a final decision. It can be helpful if you're unsure about timing. Also, given your strong earnings history, definitely ask them to run projections showing your own retirement benefit at different ages compared to the survivor benefit. Many people don't realize that their own benefit might end up being higher, especially if they've had a long, well-paying career. Take notes during your call, and don't feel pressured to make any immediate decisions. You have options, and the right choice depends on your specific numbers and circumstances. You're asking all the right questions - that's the hardest part.