What is the age limit to apply- since it will take a long time to go through govt. thanks-sharon

Not sure whether you're asking for the earliest age or the latest age. You should plan on applying for benefits about three months ahead of when you want the benefits to start. The earliest you can submit an application is at age 61 years and 9 months, for benefits to start at age 62, but if you do so the benefit amount is reduced compared to benefits you would earn if you apply at your full retirement age. The latest you should apply is age 70 - it makes no sense to wait longer than that because at that age your beneit payment per month is maxed it and won't increase if you wait longer.

EDIT - I just realized your post was titled "widows benefit." A surviving spouse may be eligible to collect benefits starting as early as age 60, but again at a reduced rate compared to if you wait until later. If this is what you are interested in doing you can apply at age 59 years and 9 months, for benefits to start when you turn 60.