Ask Larry

Will My Survivor Benefits Be Reduced If I Start Drawing My Own Benefits Prior To Full Retirement Age?

My husband will be 66 in July 2018 and I will be 66 in Jan. 2019, 6 mos. after him. I plan to take my benefit at 65 1/2 (when he reaches 66) so that he can receive a spousal benefit on my record. When he is 70, he will take his own benefit. I know that my benefit will always be reduced because of starting 6 mos. before my full retirement age of 66. My question is will my survivor benefit (consisting of my husband's benefit increased by delayed ret. credits) also be reduced because I started my own benefit at 65 1/2?

Hi,

No, your survivor rate would not be reduced as long as you don't start drawing the survivor benefits until your full retirement age or later.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Apr 15 2018 - 10:55am
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