Ask Larry

What Percentage Of My Current Benefits Will My Wife Receive If I Predecease Her?

My wife started receiving reduced SS benefits at age 62. I started receiving SS benefits at age 70. Both of our full retirement ages are 66. What percentage of my current benefits will she receive as survivor benefits if I predecease her?

Hi,

Since your wife has now reached full retirement age (FRA), she'd get at least 100% of your benefit rate as a widow. She wouldn't get that full amount plus her own benefit, though, just the higher of the 2 amounts.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Apr 14 2020 - 1:51pm
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