When Delayed Social Security Claiming Doesn't Go as Planned

What You Need To Know

• A reader asks: What happens when a couple plans to delay one benefit until age 70 and one spouse dies early?
• If the spouse delaying their benefit dies before 70, the survivor can receive the amount they were eligible for at death.
• If the other spouse dies early, the survivor can keep collecting the deceased spouse's benefit and let their own continue to grow.