Ask Larry

I'm 20 years older than my wife. Let's say I wait until I am 70 to start collecting SS and pass away at 71. When my wife reaches FRA, does she receive the benefits I was receiving when I passed, or does she receive that amount plus COLA for the 15+ years between when I passed and when she applied for my benefits?

Hi. If your wife waits until her full retirement age (FRA) to claim widow's benefits she would receive your full benefit rate inclusive of the delayed retirement credits (DRC) you earned by waiting until age 70 to start drawing, plus any Social Security cost of living that occur after your death. In other words, her unreduced widow's rate would be equal to the amount that you would have been drawing if you were still living at the time your wife applies for her widow's benefits. Just to be clear, though, your wife couldn't receive your full rate and her own benefits simultaneously, just the higher of the 2 amounts.

Best, Jerry