Ask Larry

Could My Cousin Get Unreduced Survivor Benefits If Her Ex Dies?

My cousin started drawing her SS at 63 and is drawing only around $700/mo. She was divorced a few years ago after 15 years married and her ex is drawing disability at around $1200/mo. If he passes away ad she waits until full retirement age of 66, will she be able to draw the extra $500 to bring her to the full $1200 that he draws? Even though she started drawing her own at 63?

Hi,

Yes, if your cousin is unmarried and her ex dies it sounds like she would potentially be eligible for a combined benefit amount equal to her ex's full benefit rate as long as she doesn't start drawing the survivor benefits prior to her full retirement age (FRA). Survivor benefits starting at FRA or later are unreduced even if the survivor previously drew reduced retirement benefits on their own record.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Jun 28 2018 - 10:31am
MaxiFi software running on a laptop
Get What's Yours!
Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars with Maximize My Social Security software!
  • Find your maximized strategy
  • Unlimited what-ifs
  • Step-by-Step filing instructions
  • Our software's lifetime-benefit increase for an illustrative couple earning $65K each and planning to take retirement benefits at 62.

    Results will differ based on your specific case and filing strategy.

Getting Started is Easy
Web-based software. Works on ALL browsers. No download.