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I think this is your question:
“Can I work full-time and still collect Social Security survivor benefits from my deceased spouse after age 62 without getting penalized?”
Here’s the scoop:
Yes, you can collect survivor benefits and work—but if you’re under your full retirement age (FRA), there may be a reduction.
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In 2025, if you earn more than $22,320, Social Security will temporarily withhold $1 for every $2 you earn above that.
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Once you hit your FRA (usually around age 66–67 depending on your birth year), you can earn as much as you want—no reduction in benefits at that point.
So the short version?
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Yes to working full-time and collecting survivor benefits at 62+
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But you may get dinged until you hit full retirement age
The good news? Any withheld benefits aren’t lost—they’re recalculated into your monthly check once you reach FRA. Kind of like Social Security’s version of a raincheck.