Full question: If my wife is drawing on my benefits when I pass will she continue to draw the same benefits? My benefits were reduced because of Federal employment.

Hi there,

If your wife is collecting spousal benefits based on your earnings record and you pass away, she will be eligible for survivor benefits, which would be a higher amount.

Survivor benefits are based on the amount you were collecting, or would be collecting, if you had not started benefits yet. Unlike spousal benefits that are a maximum 50% of your PIA, survivor benefits are 100% of what you were collecting IF she collects those at her FRA. They would be less if she collects those at a younger age.

For personalized support, reach out to an RSSA here.

Take care,
Martha

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