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What Is The Earliest That My Wife Can Switch To A Survivor Benefit And Get The Full Amount That I Was Getting?
I claimed my Social Security benefit when I turned 70 in March 2020. My wife will claim her own benefit when she turns 65 in May 2022. Her benefit will be smaller than mine. If I die first, what is the earliest date that she can switch to survivor benefit and get the same amount that I was getting when I died? Thank you in advance.
Hi. Your wife would be due 100% of your benefit rate if she starts drawing survivor benefits effective with the month she reaches full retirement age (FRA) or later. She wouldn't get both her own benefit amount and your full amount, though, just the higher of the 2 amounts. If your wife reaches age 65 in May 2022, she could be eligible for an unreduced widow's benefit rate as early as July 2023.
Best, Jerry
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July 28, 2021