I’m 20 years older than my wife. How will that impact her Social Security strategy?

Help Me Retire

I’m 20 years older than my wife, who is 53. If she claims Social Security benefits early, will it affect her widow’s benefit?

‘Her own benefits are lower than what she would get under my benefits’

Last Updated: Sept. 17, 2024 at 6:31 p.m. ET First Published: Sept. 17, 2024 at 9:57 a.m. ET

Dear MarketWatch,

I am 72 and delayed getting Social Security benefits until I was 70 to increase the benefits. I have remarried, and my new wife is 53.

If she starts receiving reduced spousal benefits before reaching her full retirement age, would that affect how much she will receive as a widow under two scenarios: 1) waiting to reach FRA or 2) starting widow benefits before reaching FRA? Will her benefit as a widow be reduced twice under the second scenario?