Ask Larry

Hi Larry, My husband started his SS benefits at age 70 and I have never worked outside of the home. I would like to file for reduced spousal benefits in 9 months when I turn 62. I understand that this would permanently reduce my widows benefit should my husband pass away before I reach my FRA of 66 +4 months. My question is, will my filing for reduced spousal benefits, at age 62, reduce my widow benefit, even if I was over my FRA when he dies? In other words, because of deeming (or some other SS rule) will SS say that because I filed for a reduced spousal benefit I would only get a reduced widow benefit, even if I was say 70 years old when my husband passed away?
Thank you,
Yvonne

Hi,

No, filing for reduced spousal benefits would not cause your widow's benefit rate to be reduced as long as you are at least full retirement age (FRA) at the time of your husband's death. Spousal benefits and widow's benefits are separate categories of benefits, and any reduction for age is calculated independently based on the beneficiary's age at the time they become entitled to each type of benefit.

Best, Jerry