What is the widow benefit for Social Security retirement?

How do we know? Call 1-800-772-1213 and get an estimate. The amount of the benefit is determined by how much she earned and paid into social security just like all social security benefits and like a retirement benefit, it is reduced if you take it before full retirement age. No one can get two full benefits. So if the widower's benefit is higher than what you are currently receiving it will be reduced by the amount of the benefit you get. Example: Widower's benefit is $700; you get $500 retirement. If you filed for the widower's benefit you would get $200 as a widower; $500 retirement.

Most people take the lower reduced benefit now and then switch over to the higher benefit when they reach full retirement age (which is now age 66 and will someday be age 67) if they can afford to do so - at least that was my experience when I interviewed people and explained how long it would take to make up the loss and be ahead financially - the break even point.

Usually social security discusses these options with a person when they file their claim unless, of course, you filed online.

Source: I was a social security claims rep for 32 yrs.

1

It depends on the contributions made by the deceased over their work/ life time.