Want to better understand survivor’s benefits (spouse, social security, states)

[PapaGeek]

My GF is a widow. Her late husband only worked 30 years, then died of cancer. Her full retirement age is 66 and 4 months. Her FRB will be about 26K while his is only 19K.

As we understand the formula, her survivor benefit from him at age 60 and 8 months, 68 months early, would be his FRB – his FRB * 0.285 * 68 / 72, or about $13,886. Again as we understand it, she can only take one benefit. She could take her survivor benefit, $13,886, until she reaches the age of 70 and then start her benefits at 129.33% of her FRB, or about $33,626.

Are there any restrictions that would stop her from taking his benefits first while letting hers grow until the age of 70?

[mamasplace]

Here is the link for the Social Security Administrations booklet for Widows on Survivors Benefits.

The United States Social Security Administration
Look up at the menu for Information for...
Then on the next page click on information for .... Women
It will take you to a page where, at the bottom, is a link to download their booklet on Survivors Benefits in PDF form.

If you cannot find the answer to your question, it might be best to call them at the 800 number or even make an appointment to get your questions asked in person.

I found them to be very helpful when I applied. They anticipated my questions and were very professional and helpful.

Also, just because you make an appointment to go in, you are NOT obligated to apply that day. You can take the information they print out and go home to consider it. When you are ready you can go back on another appointment.

[reed303]

What you outlined is what I did when my spouse passed at age 60 in 2004. I started Survivor's benefit based on her record, until my age 70 (last year). Then converted to my benefit on my own record with the (then) 32% Delayed Retirement Credit.

A possible "restriction" might be if your GF continued working for wages before her FRA, and/or claimed Survivor's before her FRA.

[PapaGeek]

Thanks for that information reed303. He died about 13 years ago after an 8 year disability for his cancer. As I understand it she did get some type of disability payments while he was alive and their son continued to receive benefits until he turned 18.

She is making an appointment with the local SS office. I will make sure that your concerns are addressed by her when she makes that visit.

Thanks again