Ask Larry

What Percentage Of My Benefit Would My Wife Receive If I Die Before Her?

I am 70 years old , drawing my SS and still working. My wife is 62 and has not worked outside the home in our 39 years of marriage. If I die what % of my benefit does she get?

Hi. The answer depends the age at which you started drawing your benefits, and at what age your wife starts drawing widow's benefits. If she's at least full retirement age (FRA) when she starts drawing widow's benefits, her benefit rate would be no less than 100% of your benefit rate. Her rate could even be somewhat higher than your rate if you started drawing your benefits at age 62.

But, if your wife starts drawing widow's benefits prior to FRA then her benefit rate would be subject to a reduction for age. How much if any that would reduce her actual benefit rate would depend on when you started drawing your benefits and your wife's age at the time she starts drawing widow's benefits. For example, if you started drawing your benefits at FRA or later and if your wife started drawing widow's benefits at age 62, her benefit rate would be roughly 80% of your monthly amount.

Best, Jerry

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Posted: 
Sep 30 2021 - 10:39pm
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