Destiny_Y_JD
Employee Tax Expert

Retirement tax questions

There are a few questions I see in your posting. First let me say that choosing when to start receiving retirement benefits is an important and personal decision. No matter the age you retire, contact Social Security in advance to learn your choices and make the best decision. 

As far as when you die your spouse would receive benefits under widow/widower  Widows and
widowers can take reduced benefits on one record, and then switch to full benefits on another record later. 
As far as spouses benefits, the benefit increases the longer you wait to receive benefits, up to the maximum of 50 percent at full retirement age. 
One important thing to note is found in https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10035.pdf page 8. "NOTE: Your current spouse can’t get spouse’s benefits until you file for retirement benefits."

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