
13 Jun Can my wife get higher Social Security when I die?
Photo: pixabay.comQ. My wife and I both receive Social Security. My payment is higher. How does it work if I die? How does it work that she can get my benefits because they are higher?
— Husband
A. Planning ahead is always wise.
Your wife can collect a survivor Social Security benefit if you die before her.
You would have had to be married for at least nine months and be at least 60 years old. If you have children under age 16 or have a disabled child, then she would also be eligible to collect on your benefit, said Jody D’Agostini, a certified financial planner with The Falcon Financial Group in Morristown.
“If you collect at full retirement age, she will receive 100% of the benefit you were receiving,” she said. “If she collects at age 60, she will receive 71.5% of the benefit. If you have children below the age of 16, she will collect 75% of your benefit.”
D’Agostini said if your wife was receiving spousal benefits based on your earnings history, then these will convert to survivor benefits at the higher amount upon your death.
To collect these benefits, she would need to call Social Security at (800) 772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office.
“This cannot be done online,” she said. “She should bring both Social Security numbers, the marriage certificate, the death certificate, your birth certificate, and her checking account information for direct deposit. You can decide when to switch over to maximize the income.”
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This story was originally published in June 2025.
NJMoneyHelp.com presents certain general financial planning principles and advice, but should never be viewed as a substitute for obtaining advice from a personal professional advisor who understands your unique individual circumstances.