Larry - my wife filed for SS about 15 months early. I’m roughly a year away from 70 and collecting spousal benefits while my own continues to grow. My benefit at FRA was more than double that of my wife; at 70 it will be close to triple. Under these circumstances and if I predecease her, is she eligible to collect my benefits? Thanks very much!

Sincerely - Rich

Hi Rich. Your wife couldn't collect your actual benefits if you die, but it sounds like she could qualify for widow's benefits. As long as your wife is at least full retirement age (FRA) when she claims widow's benefits, she'd be eligible for the higher of your benefit rate or her own benefit rate.

By the way, if your primary insurance amount (PIA) is more than twice as much as your wife's PIA, then she should be eligible for an excess spousal benefit when you start drawing your benefits. A person's PIA is equal to their Social Security retirement benefit rate if they start drawing their benefits at full retirement age (FRA). Your wife's unreduced excess spousal amount would be equal to the difference in her PIA and 50% of your PIA. That amount would then be paid in addition to her own benefit rate.

Best, Jerry