Husbands claiming Social Security at 62 reduces widows’ benefits
When a husband claims Social Security at 62, his widow may receive a reduced survivor benefit.
This reduction occurs because the husband’s early claim locks in a lower benefit amount.
For example, a husband with a primary insurance amount of $1,700 at full retirement age would receive $1,190 at 62, and $2,108 at 70.
If he claims at 62 and dies, his widow will receive $1,190, missing out on $912 per month, or over $200,000 in 20 years.