Ask Larry

Should My Widow's Benefit Go Up Now That I'm 72?

I started drawing my widow's social security benefits at. 62 I'm now 72 will my check increase. Does the social security office know my age now???

Hi. No. When you start drawing benefits prior to your full retirement age (FRA), the reduction for age that's applied to your benefits is permanent for any months that you're paid benefits prior to FRA. Therefore, your benefit rate doesn't go up when you reach a subsequent age other than for cost of living (COLA) increases.

And yes, since you're drawing benefits, Social Security has your age and date of birth in their records. The only way that you might be eligible for a higher benefit rate is if your own Social Security retirement benefit rate is higher than your widow's rate. If you think that it may be higher, you should contact Social Security to see if it would be advantageous to apply for your own benefits.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Aug 27 2021 - 9:45am
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