When I turned 62, I started collecting Social Security, which was quite a bit lower than what it would have been if I had waited until I was 65. When my husband passed away - 2 days before my 65th birthday, I called Social Security Office, to cancel his Social Security payments. At the same time, they put me on "Widow;s Benefits" which still included my Social Security payments, BUT THEY ADDED TO IT - TO BRING IT UP TO WHAT MY HUSBAND WAS COLLECTING. My Social Security at that time was 500.00. My husbands was 1254.00 They explained that I was collecting not only on what I had earned, but also from my husbands earnings. Needless to say, it has made it a little bit easier, financially, than if I was collecting only on mine. Hope this helps with some of the questions. Jo Ann French ~ Campbell j.j.campbell@juno.com To be sensitive - Is to feel the thoughts and hearts of others as only you would want yours felt. Author Unknown