Ask Larry

My spouse just turned 62, is 8 years younger than I, and is requesting her benefit now. Her benefit will be deemed. If I die before my wife reaches FRA, will she be forced to take the survivor benefit based on her age, since she already is receiving a benefit? Or can she wait until her FRA to get the survivor benefits?

Hi. As long as your wife is eligible for Social Security retirement benefits based on her own work record, she could choose to wait until full retirement age (FRA) to collect survivor benefits if you die before she reaches FRA. The only way that your wife could be stuck with a reduced survivor benefit if you die before she reaches FRA is if she's collecting reduced spousal benefits and she's not insured for Social Security retirement benefits based on her own earnings history. In that event her spousal benefits would automatically convert to widow's benefits, and any reduction for age would be calculated based on her age at the time of your death.

Best, Jerry