In the event of a Social Security beneficiary’s death, either the beneficiary or their spouse may be eligible to receive 100% of the benefits, as long as the deceased person has reached retirement age (generally, the age of 66.7% for those born after 201959). But if the departed spouse received benefits prior to reaching full retirement age, the sum would not be as large.
Determining what benefits you are entitled to after your spouse dies can be difficult, especially when you are grieving. Here are some things you should be aware of when applying for and getting government Social Security benefits for widows.
Navigating the intricacies of Social Security benefits can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding the retirement age for a widow. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essential information you need to know about receiving survivors benefits as a widow.
Full Retirement Age for Survivors
The full retirement age for survivors is the age at which you can receive your full monthly benefit without any reductions. This age varies depending on your year of birth:
- Born between 1945 and 1956: Full retirement age is 66.
- Born in 1957: Full retirement age is 66 and 2 months.
- Born in 1958: Full retirement age is 66 and 4 months.
- Born in 1959: Full retirement age is 66 and 6 months.
- Born in 1960: Full retirement age is 66 and 8 months.
- Born in 1961: Full retirement age is 66 and 10 months.
- Born in 1962 or later: Full retirement age is 67.
Receiving Survivors Benefits Early
While the full retirement age is the most advantageous time to start receiving benefits, you have the option to claim them as early as age 60. However, this comes with a reduction in your monthly benefit. The reduction amount depends on the number of months before your full retirement age that you start receiving benefits.
For example, if you were born between 1945 and 1956 and start receiving benefits at age 60, your monthly benefit will be reduced by 28.5%. This means that a $1,000 monthly benefit at full retirement age would be reduced to $715 if you start receiving it at age 60.
The table below shows the reduction percentages for different ages at which you can start receiving survivors benefits:
| Age at which you start receiving benefits | Reduction percentage |
|---|---|
| 60 | 28.5% |
| 61 | 24.5% |
| 62 | 20.5% |
| 63 | 16.5% |
| 64 | 12.5% |
| 65 | 8.5% |
Pros and Cons of Receiving Survivors Benefits Early
There are both advantages and disadvantages to receiving survivors benefits early:
Advantages:
- You receive benefits for a longer period of time.
- You may need the additional income to cover your expenses.
Disadvantages:
- Your monthly benefit is reduced.
- You may lose out on potential future benefit increases.
The decision of when to start receiving survivors benefits is a personal one. Carefully consider your financial situation, retirement goals, and life expectancy before making a choice. It’s recommended to consult with a Social Security representative to discuss your options and make an informed decision.
Additional Resources
- Full Retirement Age for Survivors If You Were Born Between 1945 And 1956: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/survivors/1945s.html
- Receiving Survivors Benefits Early: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/survivors/survivorchartred.html
Note: This information is based on the Social Security Administration’s website as of November 2023. It’s always recommended to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
As early as age 62, you can switch from receiving widows’, widowers’, or divorced widows’ or widowers’ benefits to your own retirement benefit.
Age 60 is the earliest a widow or widower can begin receiving age-based Social Security survivors benefits.
Note: You might not be eligible for survivors benefits at your full retirement age if you are at your full retirement age for retirement benefits.
When and how to apply?
The funeral home handling the arrangements may go ahead and contact Social Security on your behalf. To do so, they will need the deceased individuals Social Security number. If the funeral home does not handle it for you, you will have to report the death on your own by contacting your local SSA Office or calling 1-800-772-1213. Reporting a death to Social Security cannot be done online.
Here is a list of information and documentation from the deceased individual that you will likely need to include when you apply:
- Birth certificate
- Proof of spouses death
- Tax returns
- Marriage certificate
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- U.S. military discharge paperwork
- W-2 forms
Social Security Survivor/Widow Benefits 2023
When can a widow get full retirement benefits?
Your widow or widower may be able to get full benefits at full retirement age. The full retirement age for survivors is age 66 for people born in 1945-1956, with the full retirement age gradually increasing to age 67 for people born in 1962 or later. Your widow or widower can get reduced benefits as early as age 60.
When can a widow start receiving Social Security Survivors Benefits?
The earliest a widow or widower can start receiving Social Security survivors benefits based on age is age 60. If you start receiving survivors benefits at age: 60, you will get 71.5 percent of the monthly benefit because you will be getting benefits for an additional 84 months.
When can a widow receive a pension?
You can receive a widow’s pension if you are a widow or widower age 60 or older. If you are disabled, that drops down to age 50. If you choose to receive the pension at age 60, it will be reduced because that is not the full retirement age. If you wait until your full retirement age, then you will receive the entire pension.
When do widower benefits start based on age?
Widows or widowers benefits based on age can start any time between age 60 and full retirement age as a survivor. If the benefits start at an earlier age, they are reduced a fraction of a percent for each month before full retirement age.