Social Security – Survival Benefit
When deciding about when to take SS, my wife and I are both currently 66+ (FRA). We are planning for her to start taking SS in 2027 – her benefit is approximately only 19% of my benefit at FRA. I’m planning to wait until I’m 70 to maximize my benefit and her future spousal adjustment (to 50% of mine when I start taking SS). My question is this: What impact does my waiting until 70 have on the SS death benefit IF I were to die before I started taking SS at 70 (i.e., between now and 3-4 years from now)? Will she still receive the same benefit she would have received if I passed away at age 72 (i.e., after I started taking SS)? TIA for your clarification.
Terry Says
Well, you are VERY misinformed.
When it comes to spousal benefits (while you are alive!) the most your spouse can receive on your work record is 50 percent of your primary insurance amount. That’s the monthly benefit you are entitled to at full retirement age, which is 66 and 10 months for people born in 1959 and 67 for those born in 1960 and later. So your working until age 70 does not increase her spousal benefit — while you are alive!
BUT, when you die, she is entitled to receive either your full benefit (including the age 70 boost) or hers –whichever is higher. In this case, as a widow, she will get more because you waited.
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