Social Security Benefits, Survivors

What You Should Know About Social Security if Your Spouse Passes Away

May 29, 2025 • By

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Last Updated: May 29, 2025

The death of a spouse is among the most stressful life events. Losing a spouse can be devastating both emotionally and financially. You can depend on us during this difficult time.

Can I get surviving spouse benefits?

When your spouse passes away, you may be able to get benefits as a surviving spouse – even if you’re divorced. Eligibility depends on several factors:

  1. Age – You may be eligible for survivor benefits:
  • If you are age 60 or older.
  • As early as age 50, if you have a disability and are unable to work.
  • At any age if you’re caring for your deceased spouse’s child who is younger than 16 or who developed a disability before age 22. Note: Children (including stepchildren, grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and adopted children) may be eligible for survivor benefits, too.
  1. Employment – You may be able to work and get survivor benefits. It depends on your age and how much you’re earning. If you’re younger than full retirement age, you’re subject to an earnings limit. To learn more about working and getting benefits, read this blog article.
  2. Benefit status – If you already receive retirement or disability benefits on your own work record, you may be due survivor benefits if they’re greater than your own. You won’t receive both – you’ll get the higher amount.

How much will I get as a surviving spouse? 

Social Security benefits are based on a worker’s lifetime earnings. As a surviving spouse, you may receive between 71.5% and 100% of your deceased spouse’s benefit. The longer you wait to apply – up until your full retirement age – the higher your monthly benefit amount will be.

When should I apply for survivor benefits?

When your spouse dies, we recommend you call us right away at 1-800-772-1213 about our $255 lump sum death payment. You’ll also want to discuss monthly benefits for you and your family.

You have options. You may be able to get benefits as a surviving spouse while delaying your own retirement benefit, if it’s higher. Or, you may want to receive a reduced retirement benefit, then wait until later to apply for a higher survivor benefit.

Please contact us to speak with a representative so you can decide what’s best for you.

How do I apply for survivor benefits?

You must make an appointment by calling us at 1-800-772-1213.

If you already receive spouse benefits, you will automatically be converted to surviving spouse benefits. No application is needed. However, you should contact us to apply for the one-time only $255 lump sum.

You cannot apply for survivor benefits online.

What if I’m divorced?

You may be able to get benefits as a surviving divorced spouse if you were married at least 10 years, even if your spouse had remarried. You must be at least age 60, or 50 if you’re disabled, and you must be single – unless your remarriage occurred after age 60.  Note: We may be able to pay divorced spouse benefits while your former spouse is living.   

For more information, check out our Survivors Benefits publication and our Survivor benefits page. Please call us if you have questions or to schedule an appointment for yourself or a child.

Please share this important information with your loved ones and other surviving spouses – and post on social media.

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Comments

  1. Tracy p.

    My husband passed away April 27th 2024 he was recieving ss Benefits i reported his death an ask about the death Benefit pmt I just turned 59 i know I’m not old enough to draw his SS but why did I not get the $250.00 death Benefit i have called an emailed several times an still nothing why? I really need it thanks.

  2. Janet

    I have tried getting an appointment with SS in Juneau, ak. I was told 4 different times that ss in juneau, ak does not take walk-ins. I was also told 4 different times that ss will call me the middle of august for an appointment the middle of Sept. I need to discuss with SS as my husband recently past away the middle of June 2025. Even though SS online states” to schedule an appointment, click here, which I did. I went to SS in Juneau, ak 7-29-2025 as a walk in. I was called and spoke with an agent “in training” and could only take copies of Dr license, marriage certificate, and death certificate and that an agent from either Fairbanks, Anchorage or Baltimore would call in the next 2-3 weeks to finish my issue.

  3. Deborah L.

    how can i get spouse benefits. i haven’t seen him in over 30 years. can i find out if he’s getting benefits. i’m not sure if he’s dead or alive.

  4. Glenda R.

    If you are drawing social security from deceased husband and remarries someone ho does that affect your checks

  5. Pamela H.

    How do I find out how much my ex spouse makes in his Social Security benefit

    • CArlotta M.

      I was married but ex-husband passed away in 2012 I am 54 on SSI do I get any extra

  6. LaDonna L.

    I was married 20 yrs before my husband and I divorced , I remarried and he passed away after 26 yrs and I received his ss benefits since they were higher than mine. I’m 79 and single if I’m reading this correctly I can still receive benefits fro. My first husband even though he remarried?? And yet keep my deceased husbands benefits coming? I’m confused?????

    • Maxine

      It is my understanding you can only receive benefits from one husband, ex or deceased. You can’t collect from both.

  7. Joseph M.

    My spouse is currently receiving half of my retirement benefit as she is not eligible for her own benefit. I am enrolled in Medicare part A & B. My spouse turns 65 in March 2026. Will Medicare part B insurance be deducted from her portion of benefits or will she have coverage under my benefit?

  8. Joseph M.

    I am divorced and my ex-spouse receives half of my SS retirement benefit. I remarried 5 years ago and my current wife receives half my benefit amount. My question is; If I die, how long must I have been married to my current spouse for her to have continued benefits! Someone told me 10 years, but I’m not sure that’s correct!

    • T

      I believe 9 mo.

  9. James O.

    Can I collect my late wife’s SS benefits now and then later switch to mine when I turn 70?

    • Tracy

      Hi only when your 60 and it will be reduced however and you did not remarry and yes you can switch later when you turn 70 or retire or whom ever is higher because you will collect this for the rest of your life hope this helps

  10. PRIMBONTOTO

    Terima kasih atas informasinya, sangat mendukung pemahaman saya dalam topik ini. Saya juga membaca ulasan menarik di PRIMBONTOTO.

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