Social Security
I was listening to you this morning on WGN. You scared me when you used the word Widow’s Scam. I am widowed and on my late husbands full retirement age of 65 SS told me I could take his benefit while I continued to work and when I turn 70 I could apply for my benefits. I am taking his benefit and in January I will turn 70. At age 70 when I apply I would receive which ever is higher, his or mine. Was I told wrong?
Terry Says
You are correct, AS LONG AS the person who enrolled you did NOT check the box that says you wanted “whichever is higher” at the time. That has happened to many widows. It’s a big scandal. If you find out that it happened to you when you ask for your OWN benefit in January, please write back.
For details on the “widows scam” read this article: How Social Security Has Tricked Recipients: Larry Kotlikoff | ThinkAdvisor
