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Social Security Survivor Benefits
Jim Blankenship explains in depth a common question among married couples– what happens to my benefit if my spouse dies? A surviving spouse is eligible to begin receiving early benefits at age 60 (rather than 62 for regular or spousal benefits), but starting benefits before full retirement age (FRA) means the benefit is subject to reduction.
If the surviving spouse’s own retirement benefit based upon his/her own record is equal to or more than the deceased spouse’s benefit, the surviving spouse will simply continue to receive only his/her own benefit. The survivor benefit is not payable if it’s not more than one currently-received. This assumes the surviving spouse has already started receiving a benefit based on his/her own record. If the surviving spouse has not yet begun receiving retirement benefits based on his/her own record, there’s a choice to make. Assuming the appropriate age(s), the survivor benefits could be started right away, delaying retirement benefits; or retirement benefits could start while delaying survivor benefits. Read full article here.
The AMAC Foundation offers a free-to-the-public advisory service to all folks ageing into–or already in–Social Security. This service provides guidance in understanding the complexities of Social Security and the myriad rules and regulations associated with the process for claiming benefits, with NSSA-Certified Social Security Advisors available via email or telephone to discuss options. Learn more about this service via the Foundation’s website.