17 Oct Survivor benefits if you still work

Q. I was told I could collect survivor benefits from my husband. Can I still work full-time?
— Widow

A. We’re sorry for your loss.

Social Security benefits are very specific based on your personal situation, so we recommend you make an appointment with your local office. You can find the office nearest you here.

But generally, you can get Social Security retirement or survivors benefits and work at the same time, said Bill Connington of Connington Wealth Management in Fairfield.

But, if you’re younger than full retirement age, and earn more than certain amounts, your benefits will be reduced, he said.

“The amount that your benefits are reduced, however, isn’t truly lost,” he said. “Your benefit will increase to your full retirement age to account for benefits withheld due to earlier earnings.”

Your benefit would be reduced $1 for each $2 you earn above $17,040 in 2018, Connington said.

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