Are survivor benefits influenced by whether the worker delays or selects early withdrawals?

Survivor benefits are indeed influenced by the timing of the worker's benefit selection, making it accurate that these benefits are affected by whether the worker delays or opts for early withdrawals. If a worker chooses to begin receiving benefits early, their monthly benefit amount is reduced based on the number of months they claim benefits before reaching full retirement age. Conversely, if they delay taking benefits beyond full retirement age, their monthly benefit amount is increased due to delayed retirement credits.

This reduction or increase in the worker's own benefit directly impacts the amount received by survivors because the survivor benefit is calculated based on the deceased worker's benefit amount. Therefore, the decisions made by the worker regarding when to claim Social Security benefits can significantly influence the survivor's financial situation.

The other response options do not accurately reflect how survivor benefits are determined in relation to the timing of withdrawals. For example, suggesting that survivor benefits are fixed ignores the critical link between the worker's claiming strategy and the benefit amount that survivors will receive. Additionally, stating that effects only apply to full retirement age or only to new claims limits the applicability of how these decisions interact with survivor benefits.