When a loved one passes away, navigating Social Security can be difficult. But for one New York widow, delays in getting a ...

For example, a widow claiming benefits at age 60 only qualifies for 71.5% of the monthly benefit amount because she will receive benefits for an additional 72 months. The percentage you can claim ...

Applying for widows benefits right away at 60 would cost you an additional 28.5%, reducing your monthly checks to $1,001 per month in our example.

So, your widows benefit is based on your husband’s full benefit at the time of death, including any delayed retirement credits he earned. That is why you will get $3,366 in combined benefits ...

Widows and widowers are entitled to receive survivors benefits from Social Security if their spouse worked long enough paying Social Security payroll taxes to qualify.

The rules for a widow's benefit are different from regular worker benefits. If you're eligible for both, here's what to consider before choosing when to take your benefits.

Q: I am 63 and living on Social Security widow’s benefits. Although I was employed since I was 16, my income as a woman, even though I have a master’s degree and held positions of higher ...

But if your retirement benefit at 70 is smaller than your widow's benefit after the cost of living adjustments you'll receive between now and 70, you won't collect a higher total check starting at 70.

By the way, if these were your numbers ($1,800 for you and $3,000 in widow’s benefits), another choice would be to forgo this “widow’s option” stuff and simply file for widow’s benefits now.

Image source: Social Security Administration. Social Security provides vital retirement benefits for workers after their careers end. But the program goes beyond helping just workers by offering ...

The rules for a widow's benefit are different from regular worker benefits. If you're eligible for both, here's what to consider before choosing when to take your benefits.