Ask Larry

Will The COLAs Since My Wife's Death Be Added When Calculating My Survivor Rate?

On the subject of COLAs - my spouse of 10 years died in 2015. She was collecting Social Security Disability payments of approximately $940 per month. I will be 60 in a few years. Would the COLAs since 2015 be applied to her $940 before calculating my my survivor's benefit? I know if I claim survivor's benefits before my Full Retirement Age of 67, it will be reduced, and I will be subject to offsets if I am still working. My own benefit will be much higher.

Hi. I'm sorry for your loss. Yes, your survivor rate would include the Social Security cost of living (COLA) increases that occurred since your wife's death.

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Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Sep 27 2022 - 5:16pm
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