A spouse and / or ex-spouse(s?) can draw a SS benefit in the amount of approximately half of primary recipient's as long as they were legally married at least 10 years.
Upon the death of the primary recipient a spouse / ex-spouse can draw SS benefits off the primary's SS equal to the deceased's full benefit in lieu of their own depending on whichever is greater (also if married at least 10 years).
When one spouse dies, it can be a relatively substantial percentage drop in total monthly income for the living spouse with the loss of the deceased's SS benefit which could be a worthwhile reason for some to put off drawing SS as long as possible for the larger benefit.
