Sue is collecting her own SSB of $1000. After the death of her husband, who was collecting $3200, how much will Sue receive at her Full Retirement Age (FRA)?

Sue is collecting her own SSB of $1000. After the death of her husband, who was collecting $3200, how much will Sue receive at her Full Retirement Age (FRA)?

• A. $1000
• B. $2500
• C. $3200
• D. $4200

Answer: (C)

When Sue’s husband passes away, she may be eligible to receive a death benefit from his Social Security benefits, which can impact her total amount received. Since her husband was collecting $3200, if Sue qualifies as a survivor, she can switch to receiving his benefit instead of her own. At Sue’s Full Retirement Age, she is entitled to 100% of her deceased husband's benefit amount, which is $3200. This amount is typically higher than her own benefit of $1000, thus making the survivor benefit more advantageous for her financial situation post the loss of her husband. Therefore, after taking into account her qualification as a widow, Sue will receive $3200, maximizing her Social Security benefit options. This choice reflects the rules governing survivor benefits, where a widow or widower can receive the deceased spouse’s benefit, which is often higher than their own.

When Sue’s husband passes away, she may be eligible to receive a death benefit from his Social Security benefits, which can impact her total amount received. Since her husband was collecting $3200, if Sue qualifies as a survivor, she can switch to receiving his benefit instead of her own.

At Sue’s Full Retirement Age, she is entitled to 100% of her deceased husband's benefit amount, which is $3200. This amount is typically higher than her own benefit of $1000, thus making the survivor benefit more advantageous for her financial situation post the loss of her husband. Therefore, after taking into account her qualification as a widow, Sue will receive $3200, maximizing her Social Security benefit options.

This choice reflects the rules governing survivor benefits, where a widow or widower can receive the deceased spouse’s benefit, which is often higher than their own.