Hi Larry. I am turning 67 in Sept and my wife is turning 62 in Sept. My wife never worked. I am retiring at the end of 2020. If my wife starts collecting SSA benefits at 62 what will her benefit increase to when I die? Thank you.

Hi.

Your wife could be paid your full benefit rate as a widow as long as she's at least full retirement age (FRA) at the time of your death. If she starts drawing widow's benefits prior to FRA, though, her benefit rate would be reduced for age based on her age at the time of her entitlement to widow's benefits. That would be true regardless of when your wife starts drawing spousal benefits.

You and your wife may want to 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.

Best, Jerry