Q: Now age 63, I have been receiving Social Security disability for several years. My wife is age 60. If I were to die soon, would my wife be able to receive my Social Security? How much would she receive?
A: If widowed at age 60, she is old enough to receive Social Security survivors benefits. It would not matter if you were receiving Social Security benefits before death or not. From the Social Security survivors benefits page, go to the Survivors Planner section for more information about potential benefits.
The amount of survivors benefit payable to her at age 60 through your record is based primarily on your work history and her age when beginning the benefits. When someone receiving Social Security benefits dies, the amount he or she had been receiving could be a factor in the survivors amount.
Survivor estimates are not available online. Since you receive Social Security benefits, obtain an estimate by contacting Social Security. If not yet receiving benefits, create a my Social Security account and go to your Social Security Statement for estimated survivors benefits for your family. This can help with your family financial planning.
Not all survivor benefits to a widow or widower are based on that person’s age. Potential benefits to a parent because minor children receive benefits or to a disabled widow or widower are examples of this. Learn more in the Survivors Planner section.
When age is a factor, 60 is the youngest age possible to start monthly survivors benefits. If widowed when younger, monthly benefits could not begin until age 60 although a one-time benefit towards funeral costs might be payable immediately. At age 60, the amount is permanently reduced to about 71.5 percent of the benefit if waiting to full retirement age.
Starting Social Security survivors benefits when first eligible might not be your best option. This is a personal decision. As when starting retirement, include overall finances and employment plans in your decision. If also eligible for your own retirement, you could start the lower benefit first and switch to the higher one later.
Contact Social Security whenever there is a death in the family. Even if benefits are not immediately payable, future options can be discussed. 
