Lynn Brenner: When can I collect Social Security survivor benefits?

I’m so confused with Social Security. I called them three times and was told three different benefit amounts. At the local Social Security office, they said I could receive my deceased husband’s full benefits and earn up to $51,000 the year I turn 66 and six months old, which is my full retirement age. That will be in April 2024. Does that mean I can start receiving Social Security in January? If so, when should I apply?

Social Security rules confuse everyone — sometimes, even the agency’s representatives.

The rule of thumb is to apply for Social Security three months before your benefit start date. Your start date is April, so you should apply in January. Each benefit check is paid the following month. Your April benefit will arrive in May.

You can keep working while collecting Social Security, but before you reach your full retirement age (FRA), there’s a limit on how much you can earn without forfeiting some benefit. For people who reach FRA in 2023, that limit is $56,520. The 2024 limit hasn’t been announced yet.

In the year you reach FRA, Social Security withholds $1 of benefit for each $3 you earn above the limit. But the agency only counts your earnings in the months before you reach FRA, not your earnings for the entire year. (Use this calculator to see how the limit may affect your benefit:
ssa.gov/OACT/COLA/RTeffect.html).

(Other readers, please note: The rules are different for people who are under their FRA for the entire year. In 2023, they forfeit $1 of benefit for every $2 they earn above $21,240.)

After you reach FRA, the earnings limit disappears.

The bottom line

At their full retirement age, widows and widowers can collect 100% of their deceased spouses’ benefit.

More information

bit.ly/3oqL4QZ

bit.ly/SSAretirementplanner