I have a question about the relationship of survivor's benefits and spousal benefits. Suppose that the facts are these: (1) I am 64, and I have been taking my spousal benefit since 62, (2) my spousal benefit is greater than my own retirement benefit, and (3) my husband passes away at 72. I want to wait until FRA before taking my survivor's benefit to maximize its value. In the meantime, can I keep my spousal benefit even though my husband is dead, or will my social security benefit revert to my own retirement benefit which is less than my spousal benefit?

Hi,

No. Spousal benefits can only be paid if the worker on whose record the benefits are paid is living. Only survivor can be paid once the worker dies. So, in the scenario you present, your options would be to either a) take your survivor early at a potentially reduced rate, or b) draw only your own Social Security retirement benefits while waiting until full retirement age (FRA) to claim unreduced survivor benefits.

The reason that I mention a 'potentially' reduced rate in option a) above is because if your spouse started drawing his benefits prior to FRA your survivor benefit rate may not be any higher if you wait until FRA than if you file early. That's due to a Social Security provision referred to as RIB-LIM. Our software (https://maximizemysocialsecurity.com/purchase) is fully programmed to handle computations involving RIB-LIM, so anyone who is potentially eligible for both their own benefits and survivor benefits should strongly consider using our software to determine their best strategy for claiming benefits.

Best, Jerry