I will be 65 in august & will be applying for survivor benefits. In order to get the 95.3%, should I file in July or wait till August? I want to get the first deposit at the 95.3% rate & should I also apply for medicare at the same time? thank you for any help.

Hi,

The monthly reduction percentage applied to reduced widow(er) benefits varies depending on the widow(er)'s year of birth. Assuming you were born in 1952 and file for widow(er) benefits effective with the month you reach age 65, your reduced widow(er) rate would be 95.25% of the deceased's primary insurance amount (PIA). If you were born on any day other than the 1st of August, that percentage would apply if you choose August as your month of election to start widow(er) benefits. If you were born on the 1st of August, that percentage would apply if you chose July.

However, other factors can affect the actual widow(er) rate payable, such as whether or not the deceased worker received reduced retirement benefits prior to their death. You may also have better options available to you, particularly if you are also insured for benefits on your own record. You should strongly consider using our maximization software to determine your best filing strategy before deciding when to claim benefits.

Best, Jerry