Hello Larry,
My wife is 4 years, 1 month older than I. She turned 65 in Nov 2020. She retired effective Jan 2021 and is eligible for early SSI. I plan to work until full retirement age (66 yrs 10 mo.) with hopes of getting my full benefits. Our respective blood lines indicate that I will die before her, after which she should qualify for my (deceased spousal) benefits which will exceed her benefits. The question: By taking her benefits early, will my wife forfeit any portion or percentage of my benefits (Deceased spouse) which I didn't take till FRA? Or will she get my full benefits? Thanks for the help/guidance!

Hi,

No, your wife's total benefit rate as a widow would not be adversely affected by the fact she started drawing her own benefits prior to full retirement age (FRA). If you start drawing your benefits at your FRA and since your wife would be past her FRA at that time, if you die before your wife her widow's rate would be calculated by subtracting her benefit rate from your benefit rate. In other words, she'd continue to receive her own benefit amount plus a widow's benefit equal to the difference between your benefit rate and her reduced retirement benefit rate. That would give her a total benefit amount equal to your full rate.

What could reduce your wife's benefit rate as a survivor would be if you start drawing your benefits early. Conversely, if you wanted to make sure that your wife receives the highest possible benefit rate as a survivor you should wait until age 70 to start drawing your benefits. Your wife could then receive a total amount equal to your full age 70 rate in the event of your death.

You may want to strongly consider using our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) to fully analyze the options available to you in order to determine your best strategy for maximizing your benefits.

Best, Jerry