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Understanding Survivor Benefits and Filing Options for Widows at Age 60

hey marc! survivor benefit Sep 18, 2023

It’s good to have some social security support for our client base and you guys certainly seem to know the stuff.  I wanted to reach out about a client situation.  The client is younger, but their father passed away years ago (dad was more than 10 years older than mom) and mom is now 60 years old.  I know that you guys mentioned survivor benefits being the only one that could be “restricted application”. 

The widow can begin benefits as early as age 60.  Benefits taken at age 60 will be reduced 28.5% from her full retirement age amount.  If she files for widows’ benefits at age 60, she can switch to her own retirement benefit, if higher, any time between age 62 and 70.  She is subject to the earnings test if working. Deemed Filing does not apply to a surviving spouse.  She may want to have a consultation and we will look at her various filing options. 

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