Survivor Benefits: Four Tips Widows Need to Know
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 1, 2022
Months before the first Social Security check was issued in 1940, lawmakers made changes to the planned benefits. Instead of the retired worker’s benefit ending when he died, his widow could collect a survivor benefit for her lifetime. Since then, the eligibility rules for survivors have improved. The age requirements are lower, surviving ex-spouses are eligible, including surviving spouses and partners of same-sex relationships.
One thing that hasn’t changed is that the surviving spouse is often unsure how to start claiming their survivor’s benefits. We have some information to assist you in applying for benefits as a surviving spouse.
If you are a widow (or your ex-spouse died), you may be eligible to receive benefits on your late spouse’s, or ex-spouse’s, Social Security record. How much you receive will depend on your age, the amount of benefits you may receive on your own record, and whether you have dependent children.
You may be entitled to receive a survivor’s benefit under the following circumstances:
- At age 50 if you have a disability.
- At age 60 (the benefit amount will be reduced).
- At any age if you have a child under your care who is under age 16 or who became disabled before age 22.
- If you were widowed and remarried after age 60.
If you’re entitled to retirement benefits – but haven’t applied yet – you have an option. You can decide to apply for either the retirement or survivors benefits first. You can switch to the other (higher) benefit later.
To help make this decision, it’s important to know your Full Retirement Age (FRA). Your FRA is when you can start receiving your full retirement benefit amount. For instance, if you were born between January 2, 1943 through January 1, 1955, your FRA is 66. If you start receiving benefits before your FRA, your benefits will be reduced, generally for as long as you continue to receive benefits.
There are many variables involved. Contact Social Security to discuss which benefit to take first – before applying for either benefit. You want to be sure you’re choosing the option that best fits your financial circumstances.
All the information you need is on the Social Security website. You must apply for survivors benefits over the phone or make an appointment to apply in person. You will also need to provide certain original documents.
Local Social Security offices are helping people in person with or without an appointment. This means staff will take applications in person and they will be available to help and answer any question you may have. I encourage you to call and schedule an appointment in advance to save time and so you have all the documents we need to help you in one visit. Please share this information with your friends and family – and post it on social media.
Our posting of this blog does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any non-Social Security organization, author, or webpages.
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Leslie J.
To receive survivor benefits, I understand I cannot earn income over $1,350/month, or $19,500 annually. Is this amount taken from my paycheck gross total, OR from Federal Adjusted Gross Income figure on my tax return?
A.C.
Hi, Leslie. Thanks for your question. For our earnings test, we count an employee’s gross wages and net earnings from self-employment. For more information, please visit our Receiving Benefits While Working page. We hope this helps.
John V.
My wife passed away and I began receiving survivor benefits when I turned 60. In about a year I will reach my FRA. I believe my SSA would be higher than her survivor benefit. Will I be able to switch from her survivor benefit to my higher Retirement benefit? Thank you
A.C.
Hi, John. We are sorry to hear about your loss. Generally, you can switch to the other (higher) benefit. When you are ready, please contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
jenny C.
I already apply a Ssa benefits for my child after my husband died, but until now not yet done the processing,while my husband this 1 year death anniversary this coming Aug 29,my questions is how many months before done,and why it take too long…. Hope have somebody can answer me
A.C.
Hi, Jenny. We are sorry to hear about your loss and your situation. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We encourage you to continue to work with your local Social Security office. You can ask to speak to a manager on your next call or visit. We hope this is resolved soon.
DLR
I plan to apply for widow’s benefits next year when I turn 60.
How far in advance would you suggest I begin the application process?
May I apply before I turn 60 so that I’m in the system and ready to receive benefits when I am eligible?
Kathy R.
I just turned 59, 20 day’s after my spouse passed. I want to apply for widow’s benefits next year when I turn 60, as well. I’m in the same situation and want to know when I should apply to get in the queue.
A.C.
Hi, Kathy. Thanks for your question. You are eligible to apply for survivor benefits when you reach age 60 (age 50 or over if disabled) and you can apply up to four months in advance. However, there are other factors that may affect your entitlement to these benefits. For more information about survivors benefits and how to apply, please visit our Survivors Planner page. We hope this helps.
A.C.
Hi, DLR. Thanks for visiting our blog. You can apply up to four months in advance. For more information about survivors benefits and how to apply, please visit our Survivors Planner page. We hope this helps.
Doris M.
I’m 77 and get ssa , can I get ex ssa if we were married 13 yrs .
Doris M.
Can I get my ex ssa if we were married 13 ys.
A.C.
Hi, Doris. Thanks for your question. To be eligible for divorced spouse benefits, you had to be married to your former spouse for at least 10 years, and you cannot be eligible for a higher benefit on your own record. For more information on how to qualify for divorced spouse benefits, visit our Benefits Planner. We hope this helps.
Christy S.
So I started drawing social security at 62. My husband did as well. Since he has passed away, can I switch to survivors benefits on his record, which is more than I’m getting now?
A.C.
Hi, Christy. We are sorry to hear about your loss. The amount of your widow’s benefit is based on several factors, including: the earnings of your husband, when he started receiving his benefits, your age, and the amount of your own retirement benefit. We compare your own benefit with your potential survivor benefit. If your survivor benefit would be higher than your own current retirement benefit, you would be eligible for survivor benefits. To learn how much you could be eligible to receive, please contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Lynn B.
At one time I was widowed and collected my husbands SSI. I remarried and I was wondering if I can collect his SSI again as it is allot higher then what I receive now. Thank you
A.C.
Hi, Lynn. Thanks for visiting our blog. If you remarried after you reach age 60 (age 50 if you have a disability), your remarriage will not affect your eligibility for survivors benefits. For more information, please visit our If You Are The Survivor page. For specific questions, please call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Lynn B.
thank you
Star
My husband took SS at age 62. He died at age 84 inJune, 2022. I took SS on my own earnings at 62. Will I be able to convert from my lower SS to his full higher amount?
A.C.
Hi, Star. We are sorry to hear about your loss. For your security, we do not have access to private information in this venue. We ask that members in our Blog community work with our offices with specific questions. You can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
angie
my husband passed 22 years ago, am i elegible to get benefits from his social security? i never try to collect any benefits.thank you.
A.C.
Hi, Angie. Thanks for visiting our blog. You are eligible to apply for survivor benefits when you reach age 60 (age 50 or over if disabled). However, there are other factors that may affect your entitlement to these benefits. For more information, please visit our Survivors Planner page. For specific questions. you can call us at 1-800-772-1213, Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., for assistance. You can also contact your local Social Security office. We hope this helps.
Donna
My husband died May 20, 2022! I put a application for Survivor Benefits. Does anyone know how long this takes? I’m on disability myself and 59. So I can see if I’m approved for it. They say it could take up to 10 months. I was kind of surprised but not really. It took like 2 years to get my disability. Sad part about all this my husband passed away. He only received 3 checks 1889.00. I was like that’s crazy. So, any help would be appreciated!! Thanks everyone
I already sent one of these so sorry if its a duplicate..
Bob S.
Both my wife and I were eligible and drew SS at the minimum age (62) born in 1940/1946. I earned considerably more than she did and receive significantly more SS pay than her. If I die prior to her, will she be eligible to receive my higher SS amount rather than her own?
A.C.
Hi, Bob. Thanks for visiting our blog. The amount of your wife’s widow’s benefit is based on several factors, including: your earnings, when you started receiving his benefits, her age, and the amount of her own retirement benefit. We compare her own benefit with her potential survivor benefit. If her survivor benefit would be higher than her own current retirement benefit, she would be eligible for survivor benefits. For more information, please visit our Planning For Your Survivors page. We hope this helps.