- How It Works
- ServicesServicesOverviewChoose the right level of support for your plan and needsExpert ReviewA comprehensive review of inputs and reports to get you on the right pathFiling AssistanceLet our experts deal with Social Security for youClawback AssistanceFor those who need help fighting a Social Security benefit clawback
.png)
- Why Choose Us
- ResourcesResourcesBooksFrom the world-renowned economist behind Maximize My Social SecurityWebinars & PodcastsExpert tips and guides to help you get the maximum from Maximize My Social SecurtyArticlesIn-depth commentary on Social Security from our founderAsk LarryThousands of questions answered by our Social Security expertsBlogSocial Security insights to help you maximize your lifetime benefitsFAQYour most pressing questions answered
- Pricing
Ask Larry
Experts at Maximize My Social Security have answered more than 10,000 questions about Social Security over many years. Search for your questions and answers here.
Can My Wife Take Her Social Security Benefits At Age 62 Without Reducing Her Future Survivor Rate?
Dear Mr Kotlikoff:
I am 72 years old and my wife is 58. My social security is near the maximum possible (45,000/year). I want to be sure that when I die my wife will receive my full social security amount. Can she take social security on her record at 62 with out reducing her survivors benefit when I die or should she wait until her FRA?
Gerald
Hi Gerald,
Filing for her own benefits at age 62 would not reduce the amount of your wife's potential survivor benefit rate. As long as she's at least full retirement age (FRA) when she starts drawing survivor benefits, your wife will be eligible for the higher of her own benefit rate or your benefit rate. If you were to die before your wife reaches FRA, your wife could choose to either a) start collecting reduced survivor benefits immediately, or b) wait until her FRA to claim unreduced widow's benefits.
Best, Jerry
Category:
Posted:
October 20, 2020