Ask Larry

How Much Of My Benefit Does My Wife Receive If I Die?

How much of my benefit does my wife receive if I die

Hi. The exact percentage of your benefit amount that your widow could receive would depend on her age and other factors (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0407.html). Basically, though, she could potentially be paid up to 100% of your benefit rate if she's at least full retirement age when she starts drawing as a widow. However, if your wife is receiving her own benefit she could only be paid up to the higher of your benefit rate or her own benefit rate, not both.

Best, Jerry

Category: 
Posted: 
Apr 15 2021 - 5:42pm
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