Ask Larry

If I Die After Reaching Age 70 Will My Ex-Wife Receive The Full Amount That I Was Receiving?

My ex wife to be and I have been married 10 years. She is 67 and started Soc Sec disability at age 54 in 2004. I filed and suspended my benefits in 2014 at age 66 and then she received spousal benefits at age 64. I will begin receiving my Soc Sec benefits in May 2018 at age 70. If I die after May 2018 will she receive what I was receiving at the time of my death?

Hi,

Yes. What she would actually receive in that event is her own benefit rate, plus a widow's (or divorced survivor) benefit equal to the difference between her own rate and your full rate. The net result is that her combined rate would be equal to your full benefit rate, inclusive of the delayed retirement credits that you'll earn by waiting until age 70 to start drawing your benefits.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Mar 16 2018 - 11:10am
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