A worker became entitled to old age social security insurance benefits in August 1961, the year in which he attained age 63. His primary insurance amount was $72, but because he retired early (before his normal retirement age of 65), he was paid a lower benefit amount of $63.60 per month. His wife received spousal benefits of one-half of that amount, or $30.30.

The worker died in October 1961 and his wife became entitled to widow’s survivor’s benefits in the amount of 82% of her deceased husband’s primary insurance amount. A section of the Social Security Act required a recomputation of the worker’s primary insurance amount, since he died before the month in which he attained age 65. The recomputated primary insurance amount would in turn determine the widow’s survivor’s benefits, as well as the lump sum death benefit. Fortunately for the worker’s widow, this recalculation resulted in a higher benefit amount for her.

See Social Security Ruling (SSR) 62-66.

This material should not be construed as legal advice for any particular fact situation, but is intended for general informational purposes only. For advice specific to any individual situation, an experienced attorney should be contacted.