SS Benefits as Survivor

[bizlady]

We are trying to decide if we should keep life insurance for DH. While our numbers support us without insurance, life's variables still provide a little extra cushion with it.

My SS will be larger than DH. My questions are this:

1. If he were to die early before reaching 62 (or even after), can I claim SS survivor benefits under HIS earnings, AND then still switch to my benefits at FRA or age 70?

2. Can I claim as a survivor as early as 62, or would I have to wait until my FRA?

Hope to keep him around for a long time (most days! :-) but his premiums may not justify the ongoing expense.

[pb4uski]

See Survivors Planner: If You Are The Worker's Widow Or Widower

Also, what kind of life insurance is it? If it is whole life, there may be enough value in the policy so the dividends pay the premiums. Even if there isn't enough value to eliminate the premiums, they might be much lower or you could convert the policy to a reduced paid up policy and never have to pay another premium. If you have had the policy for a long time it may have some value to be captured.

[bizlady]

25 year level term policy. Premium $800 a year for 100K coverage. He is 57 and we are in about year 6 of the policy and just completed year 2 of ER. Just not sure it is worth the expense anymore..