I am 70 years old and receive my maximum social security benefist. My wife has just reached full retirement age of 66 and is about to trigger her benefits. I will probably die before she does. When I pass away, and she claims survivor's benefits...Will those benefits be the same as my maximum benefits? Or will those survivor's benefits be equal to what I received at full retirement age?
I look forward to your response.
Thanks.

Hi. The surviving member of a couple can be paid up to the higher of a) their own benefit rate, or b) their deceased spouse's benefit rate. So, assuming your benefit rate is higher than your wife's, her survivor rate will be equal to the full amount that you were receiving at the time of your death.

Best, Jerry