Losing a spouse can be devastating, both emotionally and financially. The death of a loved one can leave you struggling to cope with grief while also facing the challenge of maintaining financial stability. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers widow benefits, also known as survivor benefits, to help surviving spouses navigate this difficult time.
This guide will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of widow benefits, including eligibility requirements, benefit amounts, and the application process.
Who is Eligible for Widow Benefits?
To be eligible for widow benefits, you must meet certain requirements:
1. Age:
- Full Retirement Age (FRA): If you are at or above your FRA, you can receive 100% of your deceased spouse’s benefit amount.
- Age 60 or Older: If you are between 60 and your FRA, you will receive a reduced benefit amount, ranging from 71.5% to 99% of your spouse’s benefit.
- Caring for a Minor Child: If you are caring for a child under 16 or a disabled child receiving benefits, you may be eligible for benefits regardless of your age.
2. Marital Status:
- Married: You must have been married to the deceased for at least nine months before their death to be eligible for benefits.
- Divorced: If you were divorced from the deceased but the marriage lasted at least ten years, you may still be eligible for benefits.
3. Work Credits:
The deceased spouse must have earned enough work credits to qualify for benefits. The number of required credits varies depending on their age at death.
How Much are Widow Benefits?
The amount of widow benefits you receive depends on several factors:
- Your deceased spouse’s earnings: Benefits are based on your spouse’s average lifetime earnings.
- Your age when you claim benefits: Benefits are reduced if you claim them before your FRA.
- Other benefits you receive: If you are also receiving your own Social Security retirement benefits, your widow benefits may be reduced.
How to Apply for Widow Benefits
You can apply for widow benefits online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office. You will need to provide the following documents:
- Your Social Security number
- Your deceased spouse’s Social Security number
- Your deceased spouse’s death certificate
- Your marriage certificate
- Proof of your age (birth certificate or passport)
- Proof of your citizenship or lawful permanent resident status
Getting Help with Widow Benefits Law
Applying for widow benefits can be a complex process. If you need help understanding the requirements or completing the application, you can contact a Social Security representative or an attorney specializing in widow benefits law.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I receive widow benefits if I remarry?
Yes, you can still receive widow benefits if you remarry after age 60. However, if you remarry before age 60, you will lose your benefits.
2. Can I receive widow benefits if I am disabled?
Yes, you may be eligible for widow benefits if you are disabled, regardless of your age.
3. How long will I receive widow benefits?
You will continue to receive widow benefits until you remarry before age 60, die, or become ineligible due to other factors.
4. Can I receive widow benefits in addition to my own Social Security retirement benefits?
Yes, you can receive both widow benefits and your own retirement benefits. However, the amount of your widow benefits may be reduced if your own retirement benefits are high enough.
5. What if my deceased spouse was not eligible for Social Security benefits?
If your deceased spouse did not qualify for Social Security benefits, you may still be eligible for benefits if you meet certain requirements, such as being disabled or caring for a minor child.
Widow benefits can provide much-needed financial support to surviving spouses during a difficult time. By understanding the eligibility requirements, benefit amounts, and application process, you can ensure you are receiving the benefits you deserve. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to contact a Social Security representative or an attorney specializing in widow benefits law.
Receiving Survivors Benefits Early
Age 60 will continue to be the earliest at which a widow or widower can begin receiving Social Security survivors benefits based on their age.
Benefits for widows or widowers based on age may begin at any point between the ages of 60 and full retirement age for survivors. Benefits that begin earlier are lowered by a small percentage for each month that the recipient is younger than the full retirement age.
A person can switch to their own retirement benefit as early as age 62 or as late as age 70 if they are receiving widows or widowers benefits and are eligible for a retirement benefit that exceeds their survivors benefit. The rules are complicated and vary depending on the situation. Talk to a Social Security representative about the options available.
There are benefits and drawbacks to receiving survivors benefits prior to reaching full retirement age. The benefit is that the survivor can continue to receive benefits for a longer amount of time. The disadvantage is that the survivors benefit may be reduced. Should you choose to postpone receiving benefits until after turning 65, you should still
Survivors’ full retirement ages are shown in the chart according to their birth year. Examples of the age-62 survivors benefit are provided, based on a $1000 monthly benefit estimate at full retirement age. We are unable to pay the full retirement age benefit amount on the employee’s record if they began receiving benefits before reaching full retirement age. In most cases, we base the survivors benefit on the deceased person’s benefit amount if they were receiving reduced benefits.
| Year of Birth 1. | Full (survivors) Retirement Age 2. | At age 62 a $1000 survivors benefit would be reduced to 3. | Months between age 60 and full retirement age | Monthly % reduction 4. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1939 or earlier | 65 | $829 | 60 | .475 |
| 1940 | 65 and 2 months | $825 | 62 | .460 |
| 1941 | 65 and 4 months | $822 | 64 | .445 |
| 1942 | 65 and 6 months | $819 | 66 | .432 |
| 1943 | 65 and 8 months | $816 | 68 | .419 |
| 1944 | 65 and 10 months | $813 | 70 | .407 |
| 1945 – 1956 | 66 | $810 | 72 | .396 |
| 1957 | 66 and 2 months | $807 | 74 | .385 |
| 1958 | 66 and 4 months | $805 | 76 | .375 |
| 1959 | 66 and 6 months | $803 | 78 | .365 |
| 1960 | 66 and 8 months | $801 | 80 | .356 |
| 1961 | 66 and 10 months | $798 | 82 | .348 |
| 1962 and later | 67 | $796 | 84 | .339 |
- Use the data from the prior year if the survivor was born on January 1st of that particular year.
- When calculating a person’s benefit and full retirement age, we consider that they were born on the first of the month. Note: For retirement benefits, the full retirement age may vary.
- For those who began receiving survivors benefits at age 60, the $1,000 benefit would be reduced to $715.
- Monthly reduction percentages are approximate due to rounding. The worker’s maximum benefit is only what they would receive if they were still living. Benefits for survivors that begin at age 60 are always decreased by 28 5%.