Question on 2017 SS payment received in 2016

[Deleted]

I didn't get a statement from SS on my 2016 benefits- very strange.

DH died in November 2016.  I have his SS statement (benefits he received on his record) and everything is entered into the tax program.  I filed for Survivor benefits (not collecting on my own record, not yet Medicare-eligible).  In late December I received a SS payment which was the $255 death benefit (not taxable, I know) plus 2 months of Survivor benefits.  That was a bit confusing (I started a thread on it in YM) but it turned out that the payment was for December, plus an advance payment on January.  My first SS payment received in 2017 was in February.

I am assuming that the entire 2 months of Survivor benefits received in 2016 are taxable as 2016 income?  I'd be just as happy to include it in 2016 since I'll most likely be in a higher tax bracket for 2017 when I file as Single for the first time.

Thanks.