We have used your SS calculator and read many of your articles...Very useful! Just one question we cannot seem to find an answer to, and can't manipulate the "What-ifs" to calculate it for us, Really appreciate any clarification you can give us!
Joe (DOB:10/17/1952): the much higher earner, will file for SS benefits at 70 in 10/2022.
Suzy (DOB:10/18/1959), the much lower earner, will file for reduced SS benefits at 64,7months about 5/2024.
Suzy, due to birth year, is considered a "deemed" filer, so will get own+spousal (reduced) benefits when files 5/2024..
No matter WHEN Joe dies, Suzy will/can WAIT to file for maximum SURVIVOR benefits at her FRA.
QUESTION: IF JOE DIES AFTER BOTH HAVE FILED as per schedule above, BUT BEFORE SUZY's FRA (when she switches to SURVIVOR benefits), and she had be receiving both her own + Spousal (reduced) benefits for some period, what happens to Suzy's benefits at Joes DEATH if she is WAITING FOR HER FRA TO FILE FOR SURVIVOR's? Does Suzy LOSE the Spousal benefit, but still get her own benefit?
Can Suzy file for a "restricted" own retirement benefit until her FRA, then switch to the higher maximized SURVIVOR benefit at her FRA?
Thank you very much for this info.
Suzy

Hi Suzy. Yes. In the scenario you present, Suzy could choose to be paid only her own Social Security retirement benefits and wait until her full retirement age (FRA) to start drawing widow's benefits. If Suzy is already receiving spousal benefits when Joe dies, Social Security would stop paying the spousal benefits and give Suzy the option of either a) continuing to be paid just her own benefits until FRA at which time her unreduced survivor benefits would start, or b) choosing to have her spousal benefits convert to reduced survivor benefits.

Best, Jerry