9/12/2015 – For Widows, Social Security System Can Provide Rude Shocks (The New York Times)

What a widow or widower claims from Social Security, and when, can make a long-term difference in their lifetime benefits. Widows are entitled to the benefits they have earned based on their own work history, as well as survivor benefits, based on their deceased spouse’s work history — but they cannot collect both at the same time.

In many cases, financial planners advise, the best strategy may be to take the smaller benefit — whether it is the retirement benefit or the widow’s benefit — while letting the other one grow, and switching to it later.

Read the full article in The New York Times.