Q: I am 67 and my wife is 54. I started collecting Social Security at 62. If I died today would she continue to receive my $1,400 Social Security benefit? If not, what age could she? — Patrick Chisholm, Lake Worth, Fla.
A: Your wife can start her widow’s benefits as early as age 60, according to Mike Jurs, director of public Relations and social media at Financial Engines.
However, starting her benefits at age 60 would mean that she gets only around 70% of the benefit amount. To receive the full benefit amount, she should wait until her full retirement age of 67, says Jurs.
The monthly amount you would get is a percentage of the deceased's basic Social Security benefit. It depends on your age and the type of benefit you would be eligible to receive.
Robert Powell is editor of Retirement Weekly, contributes regularly to USA TODAY, The Wall Street Journal and MarketWatch. Got questions about money? Email rpowell@allthingsretirement.com.
