Ask Larry

Will It Lower My Own Benefits If I Receive Survivor Benefits?

If I'm receiving survivor benefits now - will that lower my social security benefits when I turn 70 ( I'm 66 now) Thank you Laura

Hi,

No, it won't. Your own benefit amount will be calculated independently, without any carryover reduction from first receiving survivor benefits. When you eventually do file on your own record, you will receive the higher of the 2 benefits, but not both.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Dec 30 2016 - 9:15am
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