I am 69 and starting collecting at age 66. My wife is 68 and also started collecting at 66. I receive approximately $2,000.00 per month and my wife collects approximately $1,000.00 per month.

If I should die anytime soon what happens to our benefits? Do we have any options?

Thank you so much!

Paul

Hi Paul,

Either or both of you could voluntarily suspend your benefits and resume them at age 70 at a higher monthly rate. I can't think of any other options that you still have available.

If you die first, your wife will be eligible for an excess widow's benefit equal to the difference in your benefit amounts. That will raise her total monthly benefit to the higher rate that you are receiving.

Best, Jerry