I'm currently receiving full social security retirement benefits. My wife turns 63 next month, and we are considering filing for early spousal benefits at age 63 and 2 months. I understand how the reduction in spousal benefits works for taking early benefits, and know how to calculate the reduction. It's my understanding that if I die during the three years before she reaches full retirement age, her widow's benefit will be permanently reduced, but if I die after she reaches FRA she will receive 100% of my benefit. Is this true, and if so, how do I calculate her benefit during those three years?

Hi,

Yes, your understanding of widow's benefits sounds correct. If your wife was born in 1955 then her widow's benefits would be unreduced as long as she didn't start receiving them prior to age 66. The reduction percentage that would be applied if she started receiving widow's benefits before then is .285/72 per month, or 4.75% per year.

By the way, our maximization software can do all of the calculations you refer to for you.

Best, Jerry