Dear Larry,
My ex-spouse who I was married to for more than 10 years is waiting for me to start my SS benefit at FRA in December 2022 so she can file for her 50% spousal benefits on my record. She never remarried. She asked if she would get my survivor benefits when I pass away, or will my current spouse get the survivor benefits, or will they both get my survivor benefits. I didn't know what to tell her. Thanks, Max

Hi Max. Your current wife and your ex-wife can both potentially qualify for survivor benefits on your account. And, neither one's eligibility for benefits would have any adverse effect on the other's benefit rate.

By the way, if you and your ex-spouse have been divorced for at least 2 years, then she wouldn't need to wait for you to file for your benefits in order to claim divorced spousal benefits. However, if she claims benefits prior to her full retirement age (FRA) her benefit rate will be reduced for age.

You and your wife and your ex-wife may all want to strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully analyze all of your options so that you can determine the best overall strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry