Ask Larry

Could My Future Spouse Receive a Widow(er)'s Benefit?

Hi, If I get married after my full retirement age with a 50 year old woman without social security benefits of her own and I pass away, will she receive the benefits I earned? At what age will she star receiving the benefit? Thanks, Andy

Andy, your new wife can receive a widow's benefit as long as you were married at least 9 months at the time of your passing. Also, she can receive a spousal benefit, which she can claim as early as 62 at a reduced rate or at an unreduced rate at her full retirement age (FRA), which will be 67. She does not need to be able to receive a retirement benefit based on her own record to receive either her spousal or her widow's benefit. Thanks, John

Posted: 
Jul 6 2016 - 8:00pm
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