My cousin started drawing her SS at 63 and is drawing only around $700/mo. She was divorced a few years ago after 15 years married and her ex is drawing disability at around $1200/mo. If he passes away ad she waits until full retirement age of 66, will she be able to draw the extra $500 to bring her to the full $1200 that he draws? Even though she started drawing her own at 63?

Hi,

Yes, if your cousin is unmarried and her ex dies it sounds like she would potentially be eligible for a combined benefit amount equal to her ex's full benefit rate as long as she doesn't start drawing the survivor benefits prior to her full retirement age (FRA). Survivor benefits starting at FRA or later are unreduced even if the survivor previously drew reduced retirement benefits on their own record.

Best, Jerry