My wife and I are both 66, she is collecting SS, I am waiting until 70. Two part question, if I should not make it to 70 what would become the basis for her spousal benefit? Or if I should pass after beginning to collect is the basis my benefit at time of death?

Hi,

Your wife's survivor benefit rate would be equal to the higher of a) her own benefit rate, or b) your full benefit rate inclusive of any delayed retirement credits you earn by waiting past full retirement age (FRA) to start drawing your benefits. If you die after FRA and before you start drawing benefits, your wife's widow's rate would be calculated based on the benefit rate you would have been eligible for if you had started drawing your benefits effective with your month of death.

You should 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 benefits. For example, if you were born prior to January 2 1954 it sounds like you could potentially collect spousal benefits while letting your own benefit rate to grow until age 70.

Best, Jerry