Ask Larry

If I Don't Start Drawing My Own Benefits Until Age 70 Would My Wife Be Able To Draw A Higher Survivor Benefit Rate?

I am 65 and drawing survivor ship from my wife’s SS. I have remarried and it is my understanding if I draw the survivor ship until age 70 and then if I die my current wife would be able to draw my survivor ship at a higher rate. Is this true?

Hi. Yes, if you wait until age 70 to start drawing your Social Security retirement benefits and if you die at age 70 or later then your surviving spouse could be paid up to your full age 70 rate as a survivor. She couldn't draw both her own benefit and your full benefit rate at the same time, though, just the higher of the two rates. And, if she starts collecting survivor benefits prior to her full retirement age (FRA) then her survivor rate would be reduced for age.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Sep 17 2021 - 12:09pm
MaxiFi software running on a laptop
Get What's Yours!
Discover tens of thousands in extra retirement dollars with Maximize My Social Security software!
  • Find your maximized strategy
  • Unlimited what-ifs
  • Step-by-Step filing instructions
  • Our software's lifetime-benefit increase for an illustrative couple earning $65K each and planning to take retirement benefits at 62.

    Results will differ based on your specific case and filing strategy.

Getting Started is Easy
Web-based software. Works on ALL browsers. No download.