If my spouse and I are presently receiving benefits based on my work record, what happens to my wife’s SSA benefits if I pre-decease her?

The benefit you're getting now may very well be the amount she gets if and when you pre-decease her. For example, if you're getting an $800 monthly benefit now, your wife should be getting half of your benefit ($400). When you die, her $400 "spouse's" check will stop, BUT then she'll start getting an $800 per month widow's check.

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