I'm really baffled by something.

I reached my full retirement age of 66 yesterday and am planning to retire sometime in 2017.

My SS statement on the SS website notes that I've reached FRA and can receive $2,615 per month at this time. It also says that if something happens to me, my survivor is entitled to receive $2,634 per month at full retirement age.

Is this really saying if I pass away, my husband can receive $2,634 per month based on my work record? I don't understand why he would receive more than me, THE PERSON WHO HAD TO WORK FOR 45 YEARS. Is this really true?

Thanks for your assistance.

Hi,

No, that isn't true. If you start drawing your benefits at full retirement age or later, the benefit rate payable to your widower could be as much as 100% of your rate, but not more than that. I don't know why the SSA website shows a different amounts.

By the way, you may want to strongly consider running the maximization software available on this website before you apply for benefits. You may have filing options available to you that you haven't considered.

Best, Jerry