How much Social Security will my mom receive as a widow?

Rez: How much Social Security will my mom receive as a widow?
My mom is 62, was married for over 10 years, and has made very little money. She is currently receiving $ 700/mo alimony. My father has since remarried and has a child with his new wife (she also had a child coming into the marriage). I’ve read about a ‘family maximum’ – does this pertain to my mom’s situation? Hypothetical numbers are encouraged. Let’s say my dad’s SS benefits pay out $ 2000/mo upon his death.

Answers and Views:

Answer by dragonflyrivers
I don’t think your mom would be eligible for death benefits if she is no longer married to your dad. Your dad’s new wife would be eligible for the benefits.

Benes are dependent on your dad’s contributions to SS during his lifetime.

Answer by wartz
A divorced spouse who was married for at least 10 years is entitled to spouse benefits which is 50% of the amount the worker is or would be entitled to at full retirement age. This amount is reduced if the recipient starts drawing benefits early. (They will get a smaller check for more time.) To be really cold about it, if most of your mother’s family died young, she as a dim outlook for ever being the world’s oldest human so should settle for 75% of the regular payment at 62. If both her folks lived to be 95, she should hang on as long as possible. If she remarries, she will lose her rights to your father’s account but tag along with the new husband. When your Dad dies, his SS benefits will be zero. He won’t need anything then anyway. Your mother’s will be unaffected.