Q. I am on social security disability and receive about $1,220.00 a month. If I die how much would my wife receive? I am 63 my wife is 60.
A. A widow who is full retirement age before widow benefits begin receives 100 percent of the benefit payable to the deceased spouse. If a widow is less than full retirement age when a widow benefit begins, the benefit is reduced for each month of early retirement. For example, a widow benefit begun in the month age 60 is reached is reduced to 71.5 percent of the deceased wage earner’s full benefit. A widow benefit begun at age 62 is 82.5 percent of the full benefit.