It used to be that a widow would receive 3/4 of her husband's benefit. That was back when most women didn't work and didn't have their own SS.
Now, unless things have changed, you can still do that, but you don't get your own benefit if you make that choice.
Wendell what a stupid question on Bolton
I think you get to take whatever is most,,yours or 3/4 of his.
What people do forget is SS is a death policy as well as disability too. If you are disabled at age 25, you best hope there is no bigtime reform because you do better with the current system.
Your minor children get paid till they are either 18 or 19 and their disability if it arises before age 18 is covered under your plan. That is a substantial benefit if you have a retarded or disabled child.
If you choose not to make a choice.... you still have made a choice