I usually like to write columns centered on one particular Social Security topic. But every once in a while, I just like to reach into my email inbox and answer whatever questions I pull out of that online mailbag.
Q: I am 82. My wife is 80. We both took our benefits at 66. I get $2,444 per month. She gets $1,670. If I die, what will my wife get in widow’s benefits?
A: Sometimes Social Security benefit computations can be messy. But your situation is easy. If you die first, she will keep getting her own $1,670 benefit, and that will be supplemented with $774 in widow’s benefits to take her total benefits up to your $2,444 rate….