Social security benefits for spouse
My wife is a retired CPS teacher. I am a union carpenter thinking about future benefits moving forward. When I apply for my social security SSA will ask if I want a death benefit for my wife. With her being a retired CPS teacher is she entitled to that benefit? I have heard rumors this could be a problem . Obviously I don’t want a reduced benefit only for her realize she gets nothing.
Terry Says
Your assumption is WRONG. You will never be asked by Social Security if you want your spouse to have a death benefit. Your spouse automatically gets a death benefit of half your benefits (which might be subject to the “offset” for her teacher’s pension) –if you are married at the time of your death, or if you are divorced, but she was married to you for at least 10 years and is not remarried. It is NOT a choice that you make, and it does not reduce your own benefit. You get what you earned, no matter what. For complete details please read the article at this link.
One more thing. If you are a union employee, you may be asked if you want your PENSION benefits to be reduced by covering your life and that of your spouse. That will not be impacted by the Social Security offset. And if you can live on less, it would be a good idea to elect PENSION survivor benefits.
