Which age allows a widow to claim Social Security benefits at a reduced rate of 71.5%?

A widow can claim Social Security benefits at a reduced rate of 71.5% starting at age 60. This reduction reflects the early access to benefits before reaching the full retirement age, which varies based on year of birth. By claiming at age 60, the widow is eligible for a benefit amount that is lower than the standard widow’s benefit that would be available at full retirement age.

The reduction percentage indicates that while the widow can start receiving benefits earlier, she must accept a lower monthly benefit amount compared to what she would receive by waiting until full retirement age or even later. This aspect of Social Security ensures that individuals have flexibility in when they choose to claim benefits but reinforces the principle that earlier claims come with reduced payouts.