A widow, widower, or surviving divorced spouse cannot apply online for survivors benefits. You should contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to request an appointment. (If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.)
Is there a waiting period for survivor benefits?
As noted above, surviving spouses (except for those with disabilities or who are caring for a qualifying child) are eligible to collect a reduced benefit as early as age 60. Still, they must wait until their own full retirement age to collect the maximum 100% benefit.
When can a spouse claim spousal benefits after death?
In most cases, a widow or widower qualifies for survivor benefits if he or she is at least 60 and had been married to the deceased for at least nine months at the time of death.
When can I claim spousal benefits?
You can claim spousal benefits as early as age 62, but you won’t receive as much as if you wait until your own full retirement age. For example, if your full retirement age is 67 and you choose to claim spousal benefits at 62, you’d receive a benefit that’s equal to 32.5% of your spouse’s full benefit amount.
How do I apply for Survivor when my spouse dies?
If you were already receiving spousal benefits on the deceased’s work record, Social Security will in most cases switch you automatically to survivor benefits when the death is reported. Otherwise, you will need to apply for survivor benefits by phone at 800-772-1213 or in person at your local Social Security office .
Can a surviving spouse collect Social Security after death?
If you are below full retirement age and still working, your survivor benefit could be affected by Social Security’s earnings limit. It does not matter whether a surviving spouse worked long enough to qualify for Social Security on his or her own. He or she can still collect benefits on the deceased spouse’s work record. Updated Oct
How is the survivor benefit calculated when a spouse dies?
The survivor benefit is generally calculated on the benefit your late spouse was receiving from Social Security at the time of death (or was entitled to receive, based on age and earnings history, if he or she had not yet claimed benefits).
How much money do you get when your spouse dies?
One last bit of advice, you are entitled to a one-time death benefit of $255, if you’re sharing a house with the spouse at the time of death. If you’re living in separate locations at the time of death, you’ll receive the benefit based on the eligibility of the deceased spouse.
