Ask Larry

If My Wife Files For Her Own Benefits Prior To FRA Will Her Survivor Rate Also Be Reduced?

I am 73 and began collecting social security at 69. My wife is 63 and considering collecting her benefit now at the reduced amount.
She talked to the social security administration on the phone and asked them if I died after she had reached her full retirement age (66 years and 7 months) could she collect my full benefit amount. They said that since she had started taking her benefits early at the reduced rate, that if she converted to my benefits after I passed they would be paid at a reduced rate.
I thought that since she would be converting to my benefits after after she had reached FRA (say 67 years old or older) she would be eligible to receive my full benefit amount.
Thank you for your service

Hi. What your wife was apparently told by Social Security is wrong. Even if your wife files for her benefits prior to full retirement age (FRA), her survivor rate won't be reduced as long as she doesn't start drawing survivor benefits prior to FRA. In other words, regardless of when your wife files for her own benefits, if you die before her and if she starts drawing survivor benefits at FRA or later she'll receive the higher of her own benefit rate or your full benefit rate.

It sounds like your wife should strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully analyze all of her various options so that she can determine the best strategy for maximizing her benefits.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Jul 27 2022 - 4:31pm
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