I am a widower for over 2 years (my wife passed away) and I have been collecting my social security benefit for 6 years.
I have been seeing and may marry a woman much younger (she is 46 years old) and she has never worked. She is just getting her US citizenship. I don't want her to work now, since I'm now retired.
Assuming I die before her, will she be able to collect 1/2 of my benefits when she turns a certain age?

Hi,

If you marry and your wife is either a U.S. citizen or permanent U.S. resident, then she could potentially qualify for widow's benefits as early as age 60, or even at age 50 if she's disabled. Your marriage must normally have lasted for at least 9 months in order for your wife to meet the requirements for widow's benefits (https://www.ssa.gov/OP_Home/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0401.html). Unreduced widow's benefits are usually paid at 100% of the deceased worker's full benefit rate, but are reduced for age if taken prior to the widow's full retirement age (FRA).

If you marry and are still living when your wife turns age 62, she could potentially file for spousal benefits on your record. Unreduced spousal benefits are paid at a rate of 50% of the worker's full retirement age rate, or primary insurance amount (PIA), but are also reduced for age if taken prior to FRA.

You may want to consider using our software to check out your options and do all of your Social Security planning.

Best, Jerry