I am 68, wife 53 and son 9. I did file and suspend and wife and son receiving payments. I will take full benefits at age 70. Wife does not have significant SS contribution. She has not been working for last 15 years. I have a cancer that statistically will give me about 5 more years. My question is what is my wife's best strategy upon my death when she will be about 58-60 and my son 14 or so?

Hi,

I'm sorry to hear about your prognosis.

Your wife would continue to be eligible for survivor benefits regardless of her age at least until your son turns age 16. After that, unless your son is disabled, your wife would need to be at least age 60 or age 50 and disabled in order to qualify for widow's benefits. And, if she chooses to start drawing widow's benefits any time before full retirement age, her benefit rate would be reduced for age.

If you die before your wife turns 62, it might be best for her to file for reduced benefits on her own record at age 62 and wait until her full retirement age to receive unreduced widow's benefits.

Our maximization software should be able to help determine which filing strategy would be best for your wife.

Best, Jerry