- 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.
Will My Current Wife And My Ex-Wife Both Receive 100% Of My Benefit Amount When I Die?
Larry, I'm 69 drawing social security, and remarried. I was married to my first wife for 16 yrs, she hasn't remarried. I've been married to my current wife for 29 yrs. Both are in their 60s. My question: Upon my death, will both my first wife and my current wife receive 100% of my current social security monthly benefit?
Thank you,
Mark
Hi Mark. Well, that's certainly possible. If your ex-wife does end up collecting survivor benefits from your account it wouldn't have any adverse effect on your current wife's potential widow's benefits. Nor, vice versa. But, in order for your wife and/or ex-wife to qualify for 100% of your benefit amount they'd need to be at least full retirement age (FRA) when they claim survivor benefits, and they couldn't be eligible for a higher benefit rate on their own account. Surviving spouses can't be paid any more than the higher of their own benefit rate or their survivor benefit rate.
Best, Jerry
Category:
Posted:
May 16, 2022