Ask Larry

Will Survivor Benefits Be Reduced If The Surviving Spouse Is Receiving Their Own Benefits?

Is a spouse's survivor benefits limited if the surviving spouse has their own high retirement benefit.

In other words, if both spouses are receiving maximum benefits, will the survivor's benefits be reduced?

Hi. Yes. You can't collect more than one full Social Security benefit at the same time, so if you're already drawing your own benefits and if your spouse dies you could only be paid up to the higher of the two benefit rates.

Best, Jerry

Posted: 
Apr 1 2021 - 3:01pm
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