Oct
22
2012
By Guest (not verified)
My husband recently died. I will receive his SS income and lose mine. What happens to my SS payroll withholdings if I continue to work?
Survivor benefits and continuing employment
I'm not sure of the situation here. Are you age 60 or higher?
You can begin to receive (reduced) survivor benefits based on his work record at age 60.
If you receive survivor benefits on his record, you can switch to your own retirement benefit as early as age 62. This assumes you are eligible for retirement benefits and your retirement rate is higher than your rate as a widow.
In many cases, a widow or widower can begin receiving one benefit at a reduced rate and then, at full retirement age, switch to the other benefit at an unreduced rate.
http://www.ssa.gov/survivorplan/onyourown5.htm#a0=1