What are Social Security survivor benefits?
When one spouse dies, Social Security does not pay two full checks to the household. Only one benefit survives. The survivor keeps the higher of the two amounts, and the smaller one ends. That single fact drives most of the decisions a new survivor faces.
Survivor benefits are paid from the deceased worker's earnings record. A widow, a widower, and in some cases a surviving divorced spouse can qualify. The Social Security Administration survivors benefits pages lay out who is covered and how to report a death.
This is a hard time to make money decisions. Understanding the choices before or shortly after a loss protects your income for the rest of your life.
When can a widow collect her husband's Social Security?
A surviving spouse can begin as early as age 60. Starting that early means a reduced monthly amount for life. If you wait until your full retirement age, you receive the full survivor benefit. If you are disabled, benefits can start as early as age 50. If you are caring for the deceased worker's child who is under 16 or disabled, you may qualify at any age.
Your full retirement age for survivor benefits depends on your year of birth. The SSA publication If You Are the Survivor explains these age rules and the reduction for early claiming.
How much of my spouse's benefit do I receive as a survivor?
Here is the load-bearing rule. At your full retirement age, a surviving spouse receives 100 percent of the deceased worker's benefit. Claim earlier, between 60 and full retirement age, and the amount is reduced.
One point surprises many people. Unlike your own retirement benefit, a survivor benefit earns nothing extra for waiting past your full retirement age. Retirement benefits grow with delayed credits until age 70. Survivor benefits do not. Once you reach full retirement age, waiting longer adds nothing to the survivor amount, as the survivors benefits pages describe.
This chart shows the general pattern by claiming age.
| Claiming age | Survivor benefit |
|---|---|
| Age 60 | Reduced, lowest amount |
| Between 60 and full retirement age | Partly reduced |
| Full retirement age | 100 percent |
| After full retirement age | No further increase |
Does Social Security pay a death benefit?
Yes, a one-time payment of 255 dollars. This lump-sum death payment can go to a surviving spouse who was living with the worker, or who was already receiving benefits on the worker's record. If there is no surviving spouse, it may go to an eligible child. The SSA rules on the lump-sum death payment list who can receive it and the time limit to apply.
This 255 dollar payment is separate from the monthly survivor benefit. It is a single payment, not an ongoing check.
Can I take a survivor benefit first and switch to my own later?
This is an option some survivors evaluate, not advice. Because survivor benefits and your own retirement benefit come from two different records, you may be able to start one and switch to the other later.
For example, some people take a reduced survivor benefit at 60, then switch to their own retirement benefit at 70 after it has grown to its highest amount. Others do the reverse, taking their own benefit early and switching to the survivor benefit later. The best order depends on which amount is higher and how each one changes with age.
The If You Are the Survivor publication describes this choice. You can run your own numbers, or get a free benefit analysis report built from your numbers to see the amounts side by side before you decide.
What happens to survivor benefits if I remarry?
Age 60 is the line. If you remarry before age 60, you generally cannot collect survivor benefits on your late spouse's record while that marriage lasts. If you remarry at 60 or later, the remarriage does not stop your survivor benefits. This rule is set out on the survivors benefits pages.
Can a surviving divorced spouse get survivor benefits?
Yes, if the marriage lasted at least 10 years. A surviving divorced spouse can qualify for survivor benefits on an ex-spouse's record under the same age rules as a widow or widower. The 10 year marriage length is the key requirement. If you are caring for the deceased worker's child who is under 16 or disabled, the 10 year rule may not apply. See the survivors benefits pages for the details.
Do earnings limits apply to survivor benefits if I am still working?
Yes, if you claim before your full retirement age and keep working. Social Security applies an annual earnings limit. Earn above that limit and part of your benefit is withheld for the year. Once you reach full retirement age, the earnings limit no longer applies and you can earn any amount. The current dollar limits are published each year by SSA in the If You Are the Survivor publication.
Frequently asked questions
If my husband dies, do I get his Social Security?
Yes, as a surviving spouse you can receive benefits on his record. You can start reduced benefits at 60, or receive the full amount at your full retirement age.
When can a widow collect her husband's Social Security?
As early as age 60 at a reduced rate, or age 50 if disabled. At any age if caring for the worker's child who is under 16 or disabled.
How much of my spouse's benefit do I receive as a survivor?
Up to 100 percent of the deceased worker's benefit at your full retirement age. Claiming earlier reduces the amount, and waiting past full retirement age adds nothing.
Does Social Security pay a death benefit?
Yes, a one-time payment of 255 dollars to an eligible surviving spouse or child. It is separate from the monthly benefit.
Can I take a survivor benefit first and switch to my own later?
Often yes. The two benefits come from different records, so you may start one and switch to the other. Which order is better depends on your numbers.
What happens to survivor benefits if I remarry?
Remarrying before 60 generally stops survivor benefits during that marriage. Remarrying at 60 or later does not stop them.
Can a surviving divorced spouse get survivor benefits?
Yes, if the marriage lasted at least 10 years, under the same age rules as a widow or widower.
Do earnings limits apply to survivor benefits if I am still working?
Yes, if you claim before full retirement age. Earning above the annual limit withholds part of your benefit. The limit ends at full retirement age.
For more help understanding your options, see more guides to Social Security benefits.