Collecting SS as a widow? (not me)

[Deleted]

Yes my mom did this but I do not know how if any it impacts her amount she would have collected at 65. So yes she can but I do not know if it is a bad decision or not. Make an appt at the SS office they can show you the #'s on a chart. But do not expect the $ to be much.

[LoveTrains]

Where is kari to answer this question?! I am pretty sure she can collect spousal benefits while she continues to work and build up her own credits.

The only reason I know this is because my mother is 67 and still working. She is collecting spousal benefits right now based on my father's credits. she did that because she can continue to build up her own credits, and when she does decide to collect, her benefits will be higher because she is older. My father is still alive and also collecting based on his benefits.

At first glance it seems messed up, but if you think about it, SS was designed in the Roosevelt era when most women didn't work outside of the home. Thus anyone can collect spousal benefits. Because otherwise, when SS started, there woudl be many poor widows b/c they might not have worked outside of the home.

[cahabalily]

Yes, my grandmother did this. I know my grandmother had to choose - she couldn't draw hers and my grandfather's. She chose his, because it was a larger amount. She also still works, but can only work 20 hours per week. I believe she can work until she's 75?? (don't know the specifics, but she does have to retire in the next year)...