Yepper - we get 2 benefits from this - we’ve been paying taxes an a portion of our SS for years and now the end of that and the extra deduction will be a big help.
One of my biggest fears has been that, if something happens to me, not only does my wife’s income reduce by some thousands, but she then hits the “Single” tax brackets and would pay more in taxes...this, even though it will phase out, helps me prepare so she’s not hurting if i go before she does.
Actually she can still legally file as “Married” for two years after your passing if you still have dependent children at home. It’s called “Qualifying Surviving Spouse” status. I was able to use this because my 16 yr old son was living with me after my wife died in 2018.