How To Get Social Security Widow and Survivor Benefits In 2025
What You Need to Know About Social Security Survivor Benefits
Social Security survivor benefits are one of the least understood parts of the system—and one of the most valuable for those who qualify. If you’ve lost a spouse or ex-spouse, these benefits could make a meaningful difference in your financial security, especially in retirement. Whether you’re approaching age 60 or planning ahead, knowing the rules can help you claim what you’ve earned and avoid costly mistakes.
What Are Survivor Benefits?
Survivor benefits allow widows, widowers, and certain family members of deceased workers to collect a portion—or in some cases, all—of the deceased’s Social Security benefits. The exact amount you receive depends on your age and relationship to the deceased.
- If you claim survivor benefits at full retirement age (FRA), you may receive 100% of the deceased’s benefit.
- If you claim early (as soon as age 60, or 50 if disabled), you’ll receive reduced benefits, as low as 71.5% of the full amount.
- Eligibility requires that you were married to the deceased for at least 9 months, or 10 years if you were divorced.
- Remarrying before age 60 will disqualify you from survivor benefits based on your previous spouse’s record.
- Children under age 18, or 19 if in full-time K–12 education, as well as adults with disabilities before age 21 and dependent parents, may also be eligible for benefits.
Understanding the Different Types of Benefits
Many people confuse survivor benefits with retirement or spousal benefits. Here’s how they differ:
- Retirement Benefits are based on your own earnings history and require 40 work quarters (10 years).
- Spousal Benefits offer up to 50% of a living spouse’s benefit if you don’t qualify on your own.
- Disability Benefits are for individuals of any age who cannot work due to physical or mental conditions.
- Survivor Benefits are based on a deceased spouse or ex-spouse’s record and follow unique eligibility rules.
Smart Claiming Strategies
You can claim survivor benefits starting at age 60, but that may not be the best long-term move. If you wait until your full retirement age, your monthly checks will be significantly higher.
Here’s a powerful strategy:
- Claim survivor benefits early at age 60
- Let your own retirement benefits grow until age 70
- Then switch to your own higher benefit later
This approach can maximize your lifetime payout, especially if your personal work history qualifies you for a large retirement benefit.
Working While Claiming: The Earnings Test
If you’re still working while collecting Social Security, the earnings test may reduce your benefits:
- For earnings over $23,400, $1 is deducted for every $2 earned.
- For higher earners exceeding $62,000, $1 is deducted for every $3 earned.
These limits apply before you reach full retirement age. Once you hit that milestone, you can earn as much as you want without penalty.
How to Apply for Survivor Benefits
Unlike retirement benefits, you can’t apply for survivor benefits online. You must call or visit your local Social Security office to schedule an appointment. Be prepared to show:
- A death certificate
- Your marriage certificate (or divorce decree, if applicable)
- Identification and possibly your Social Security number
Keep in mind that benefits are paid from the date of your application, not the date of the spouse’s death. So it’s important to act quickly to avoid losing months of potential income.
Final Thoughts: Plan With Purpose
Survivor benefits can be a crucial piece of your retirement puzzle—but only if you understand the rules. Don’t assume the system will automatically give you the best option. Many widows and widowers leave money on the table by claiming too early or missing out on strategic planning opportunities.
If you’re unsure about how survivor benefits fit into your broader retirement strategy, it’s worth speaking with a financial advisor who understands the Social Security system inside and out.
