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If My Wife And I Both Wait Until Age 70 To Claim Our Benefits But If I Die Before Then, Could My Wife Claim Her Own Benefits Retroactively For 6 Months And Then Start Widow's Benefits?
my wife and I are basically the same age, we both just reached fra, her fra is $1600 mine is 2400 we do not plan to claim SS for either of us until 70. if I were to die say a year from now, could she file for retroactive benefits on her self, collect 6 months payments and then file for her widows benefits and get whatever my monthly payment would be upon my death?
Hi. Yes, since in the scenario you present your wife would be at least 6 months past her full retirement age (FRA) at the time of your death, she could file for 6 months of retroactive benefits on her own account and then claim widow's benefits effective with your month of death. And, provided that you haven't started drawing your benefits at the time of your death, your wife's widow's rate would be calculated based on the amount that you would have been paid if you had started drawing your benefits effective with your month of death.
Best, Jerry
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November 3, 2021