Question 55

Social Security survivor benefits for a widow(er) are reduced by approximately 28.50% if claimed at age 60 instead of full retirement age.

Claiming Social Security survivor benefits at age 60 results in a reduction of approximately 28.50% from the full benefit amount that would be available at full retirement age.

A) 20%

Option A is incorrect because a 20% reduction does not accurately reflect the decrease in benefits for widow(er)s claiming at age 60. The reduction percentage is higher, as indicated in the correct answer.

B) 25%

Option B is also incorrect as it underrepresents the reduction in benefits. The actual reduction for claiming survivor benefits at age 60 is greater than 25%, making this option not suitable.

C) 28.50%

Option C is correct. The reduction in Social Security survivor benefits for a widow(er) who claims at age 60 is approximately 28.50% compared to what they would receive at full retirement age, which accurately reflects the guidelines set forth by Social Security.

D) 30%

Option D is incorrect because it overstates the reduction in benefits. While claiming at age 60 does result in a loss of benefits, the correct reduction is 28.50%, not as high as 30%.

Conclusion

The correct answer, 28.50%, reflects the accurate percentage reduction in Social Security survivor benefits when claimed at age 60 as opposed to full retirement age. Options A, B, and D fail to provide the correct reduction, while Option C precisely aligns with the established guidelines. Thus, Option C is the definitive choice based on the criteria for survivor benefits.