Social Security Survivor Benefits: Complete Guide

Several categories of survivors may be eligible for Social Security survivor benefits.

• Widow/widower age 60+ - Full benefits at full retirement age, reduced benefits starting at 60.
• Disabled widow/widower 50-59 - If you become disabled within 7 years of spouse's death.
• Widow/widower any age with child - If caring for deceased's child under 16 or disabled.
• Unmarried children under 18 - Or up to 19 if still in high school, or any age if disabled before 22.
• Dependent parents 62+ - If parents were dependent on the deceased for at least half support.
• Divorced spouse - If marriage lasted 10+ years and you're currently unmarried (or remarried after 60).

Survivor benefit amounts depend on the deceased's earnings record and your age when claiming.

• Maximum family benefit - Total family benefits are capped at 150-180% of the deceased's benefit.
• Your own record - If you've worked, you may eventually get higher benefits on your own record.
• Government Pension Offset - If you receive a government pension from work not covered by Social Security, your survivor benefit may be reduced.

The timing of your claim significantly affects your lifetime benefits. Consider these factors:

• Claim early if you need the income immediately, have health issues reducing life expectancy, or want to let your own benefit grow.
• Wait longer if you're still working and would face earnings limits, you want maximum monthly amount, or you expect to live well into your 80s.
• Consider switching - You can take survivor benefits first while your own benefit grows, then switch to your higher benefit at 70.
• Remarriage before 60 - This generally ends survivor benefit eligibility (but remarriage after 60 doesn't).

The right claiming strategy can mean tens of thousands of dollars in additional lifetime benefits.

1. 1Calculate both benefits - Get estimates for both survivor benefits and your own retirement benefits at various ages.
2. 2Take smaller benefit first - If survivor benefit is smaller, take it while your own grows. If your benefit is smaller, take it while survivor benefit grows.
3. 3Consider part-time work - If under full retirement age, staying under earnings limits preserves benefits.
4. 4Don't assume higher is better - Sometimes claiming earlier allows strategic switching that maximizes lifetime benefits.
5. 5Factor in taxes - Social Security may be taxable. Consider how additional income affects your tax situation.
6. 6Account for health - Your life expectancy affects whether waiting pays off. Be realistic.

If you're under full retirement age and working, your benefits may be temporarily reduced.

• Under FRA all year - Benefits reduced $1 for every $2 earned above $22,320 (2024).
• Year you reach FRA - Benefits reduced $1 for every $3 earned above $59,520 (2024) until the month you reach FRA.
• At or above FRA - No reduction regardless of earnings.
• Not actually lost - Withheld benefits are credited back after you reach FRA, resulting in higher monthly payments.
• Only wages count - Investment income, pensions, and other non-work income don't count against the limit.

You must actively apply for survivor benefits - they don't start automatically.

• Apply promptly - Benefits can be retroactive up to 6 months, but delays beyond that mean lost money.
• Ways to apply - Call 1-800-772-1213, visit a local SSA office, or start online at ssa.gov.
• Documents needed - Death certificate, your Social Security number, deceased's SSN, marriage certificate, your birth certificate, recent tax return if working.
• Lump sum death payment - A one-time $255 payment is available to surviving spouses. Apply within 2 years of death.
• Get help if needed - SSA offices can guide you through the process. Bring all documents to your appointment.