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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DLS
Assuming that I passed the earnings test and that there would be no reduction in my widow’s benefit, is there an easy way for me to calculate what my benefit would be? I can’t access my late husbands SSA account for obvious reasons. How do I get a sense of what my benefit amount would be?
Ann C.
Hi, DLS. We’re 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 for, please call our toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778). At this time, we do not offer an online application for survivors benefits. To learn more information about Survivors benefits, please visit our Survivor Planner. We hope this helps.
Ralf
Have SSA-10 completed and ALL required documents collected. Called local office for an appointment and they only do phone appointments. No problem, but HOW/WHEN do I submit my documentation? Concerned that if I don’t go in and wait while they are being copied that they might get lost.
Ann C.
Hi, Ralf. Thanks for visiting our blog. Once you have completed the application appointment, the office will let you know your submission options. We hope this helps.
Andrea M.
My husband was determined to be Permanent and Totally Disabled by the VA. We have contacted SSA and have filled out all of the necessary applications and forms and sent them in electronically and mailed hard copies. With his P and T status from the VA, does this fast track his application? If so, then how long does that usually take? We are both over the age of 50 and I, myself, am on disability now.
Ann C.
Hi, Andrea. First of all, we want to thank your husband for his service to our country. Please keep in mind that the Social Security Act sets out a very strict definition of disability, much different than the requirements for other government programs including veterans benefits. We do offer expedited processing of certain disability claims for military service members. To learn more about our Wounded Warriors program, please visit our Disability Benefits for Wounded Warriors page. We hope this helps.
Myrna B.
I was supposed to receive a phone call earlier today from social security regarding the one-time death benefit payment related to my husband’s death. I did not receive that phone call.
Ann C.
Hi, Myrna. We are sorry to hear about your loss and your experience. Please contact your local Social Security office for assistance. You can ask to speak to a supervisor on your next call or visit. We hope this is resolved soon.
Denise B.
MORE COMMIT !! THIS SHOULD NIR HACE TAKEN THIS LONG. April app and phone interview June 15!! 59! On Disabilty! Divorce decree sent in and medical documents! Never remarried! Neither did he!17 years divorced. THEN YOU SENT A LETTER TO ME ON STATUS!! May take 2!! More months!! I’M SUPPOSED TO HAVE HAD IT MONTHS AGO!! BCUZ I MET ALL REQUIREMENTS!! ALREADY 2 months behind on RENT!! PLUS HAVING T-CANCER!
Denise B.
I’m on Disability! 13 years now. T-Cancer! Already applied for WIDOW SURVIVORS BENEFITS. My ex passed from Covid February 27!. I’m 59 was married 22 years divorced 17. I SUBMITTED DIVORCE DECREE ALL REQUIRED DOCS!! I WAS TOLD IT WUD TAKE NO TIME BCUZ I MEET THE REQUIREMENTS!! I M 2 months behind on rent now!! Bcuz your off doesn’t have enough staff! And you sent app to SPRINGFIELD!! I NEVER REMARRIED! I NEED THIS NOW!!
Ann C.
Hi, Denise. We are sorry to hear about your condition and 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. We hope this is resolved soon.
David Y.
I am 61 with terminal cancer. Can I collect disability SS now? Is it my FRA? If I die in 12 months, what options would my wife have? She is also 61. Does she receive the amount I was getting, or what options does she have?
Ann C.
Hi, David. We are sorry to hear about your condition. Disability benefits are paid to people who are unable to work because of a medical condition that is expected to last one year or more or end in death. For adults, we use a five-step evaluation process to decide whether you are disabled. If you think you are disabled, you can file for disability. To apply online for disability benefits, please visit here. As far as survivors benefits for your spouse, she would be eligible to apply for survivor benefits at age 60 (age 50 or over if disabled) or over. However, there are other factors that may affect her entitlement to these benefits. To find more information on survivors benefits, please visit our Survivors Planner. We hope this helps.
Sonya
How far in advance of age 60 shoud I apply for Survivor benefits.
1 month, 3 months?
Just wondering how long it takes for the application to be processed and funds to start coming through.
Ann C.
Hi, Sonya. Thanks for visiting our blog. The length of time it takes to process an application can vary depending on whether we need to verify documents or other personal information. You can file an application up to four months in advance. For more information about survivors benefits and how to apply, please visit our Benefits Planner page. We hope this helps.
Corrine
I am a widow 69 years old receiving widows benefits. If at some point in my future I met the right person and decide to get married will that change my monthly check?
Ann C.
Hi, Corrine. Thanks for your question. If you remarry after you reach age 60 (age 50 if disabled), you will continue to qualify for benefits on your deceased spouse’s Social Security record. To learn more about how marriage affects benefits, visit our Frequently Asked Questions. We hope this helps.
Yolanda S.
I am 60 years old and still work full time and my husband passed 7 years ago, I contacted our local ss office to apply for survivors benefits and was told I make to much money to collect on my deceased husbands retirement benefits. All my research so far has not stated an income cap for widows am I missing something?
Paula T.
I need to change how I receive my benefits. I will be changing banks & will need to change my direct deposit to my new bank account. What is the best way to make this change?
Paula T.
My email: pauladiva60@yahoo.comWhat documents will I need to bring in order to apply for my deceased spouse’s retirement benefits?
Ann C.
Hi, again, Paula. Generally, we will need to see original or certified copies of your marriage license and divorce decree. Keep in mind to be eligible for surviving divorced spouse benefits, you had to be married to your former spouse for at least 10 years. For additional information about surviving divorced spouse benefits, please visit our Survivors Planner. Just a reminder – please be cautious about posting personal information on social media. We hope this helps.
Ann C.
Hi, Paula. Thanks for visiting our blog. If you are receiving Social Security retirement or disability, you can create a personal my Social Security account to change your direct deposit online. If you are receiving Supplemental Security Income, you should contact your local Social Security office immediately. We hope this helps.
Ann C.
Hi, Yolanda. Thanks for your question. There are limits on how much survivors may earn while they receive benefits. For more information, please visit our Receiving Benefits While Working page. We hope this helps.