My wife and I each get benefits based on our own work, but mine are higher. If I die first, will she get a higher benefit as a widow?

If your wife survives you, she will receive an increase in her benefits based on her age at the time of your death. If she has already reached her Full Retirement Age (FRA), her total benefit will usually be raised to equal the amount you receive.

If she is still under her FRA, her benefit will be reduced based on her age. In that case, she could continue to receive her own retirement and wait until she reaches her FRA to apply for the highest possible widow's benefits.