For more accurate estimates, see your
annual Social Security Statement sent to
you by the SSA or use the calculators at
www.ssa.gov/planners/calculators.htm.

It may be best for widows to not work, or to work only part-time, since they would be filling the role of both parents. Under certain conditions, their survivor benefits are reduced by 50¢ for each $1 of earnings over $12,000 per year. Also, bear in mind Social Security provides nothing for a wife without children under age eighteen until she reaches age 60. For more precise information, call your local Social Security office.

Because of the concern surrounding the long-term solvency of Social Security, some are reluctant to count on survivor's benefits. But that aspect of Social Security is actuarially sound because few dads die with young children. Also, it makes sense to let Social Security carry part of the load. After all, a majority of families pay more in FICA taxes (part of which pays for survivor's benefits) than they do in federal income taxes. We can redeem this sizable confiscation by letting it partially reduce other personal outlays, like life insurance premiums. If we fail to build upon this Social Security benefit which we're being forced to fund, we only hurt ourselves.


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