I waited until 70 years of age to retire and receive a larger monthly benefit amount, as a result. I believe my wife will be eligible to receive at least 95% of my existing benefit after I die. Or, receiving the difference between any amount she would then be receiving and the amount of my benefit.
My question is; Will my wife's spousal survivor benefit amount be affected if she she elects to start receiving her own benefits before her full retirement age ?
In other words; will her resulting benefits be lessened based on when she might elect to begin her own retirement?

Hi. No. Even if your wife starts drawing her own benefits and/or spousal benefits prior to full retirement age (FRA), she could still get your full benefit rate as a widow as long as she doesn't start drawing widow's benefits prior to her FRA. As a widow at FRA or later, your wife could be paid the higher of her own benefit rate or your full benefit amount, inclusive of the delayed retirement credit (DRC) increases you received by waiting until age 70 to start drawing.

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 overall strategy for maximizing her benefits.

Best, Jerry