Hi Larry,

If my wife is collecting a Spousal Benefit on my record, & I die, can she continue receiving her Spousal Benefit & wait to apply for her Survivor Benefit until she reaches her Survivor FRA, to maximize her benefit?

Thank you

Hi. No. Spousal benefits can only be paid on the record of a living spouse. If your wife is drawing spousal benefits only and if you die, her benefits would convert to widow's benefits effective with the month of your death. However, if your wife is drawing a combination of her own benefits and spousal benefits, then if you die prior to her full retirement age (FRA) she could elect to receive just her own benefits until FRA and then file for unreduced widow's benefits when she reaches FRA. Her best option in that event would likely depend on whether or not you started drawing your benefits prior to FRA.

It sounds like you and your wife may want to strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully analyze the options available to you in order to determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry