How Social Security Survivor Benefits Work

Losing a loved one is no doubt an overwhelming experience, both emotionally and financially. For many families, Social Security survivor benefits provide an essential lifeline during this difficult time. Understanding how they work, who qualifies, and how to apply can help ensure families receive the support they need while navigating their loss. In this article, we’ll explore Social Security survivor benefit essentials and provide guidance on maximizing the program.

What are Social Security survivor benefits?  

Social Security survivor benefits are payments to spouses and dependents of the deceased that serve as an additional income stream. While they typically only replace a portion of lost income, the program ultimately intends to provide some financial relief for day-to-day living expenses.

Who is eligible for Social Security survivor benefits?

To receive survivor benefits, you or your deceased loved one must fall within one of the following categories and meet the specific requirements of each.

Surviving spouses

When one spouse passes away before the other, the surviving spouse—the “widow” or “widower”—can claim a survivor benefit, a monthly payment the beneficiary typically receives for the rest of his/her life.

Surviving spouses can begin collecting benefits at specific ages, with eligibility and benefit amounts determined by these age thresholds. A widow or widower can collect Social Security survivor benefits as early as age 60 or even age 50, for example, if he/she has a disability that existed before (or within seven years of) a spouse’s death. Surviving spouses may also qualify for Social Security survivor benefits at any age if they’re caring for a child who’s either under age 16 or has a disability (and they haven’t remarried).

Surviving divorced spouses

A divorced spouse of the deceased can collect survivor benefits following a marriage of at least ten years or if he/she is caring for their ex’s natural or legally adopted child who is under the age of 16 or has a disability.

Minor and disabled children

Minor and disabled children can receive Social Security survivor benefits if they’re under 18 years old (or up to age 19 if they’re full-time students at a secondary school), unmarried at the time of the parent’s passing, or age 18+ with a disability diagnosed before age 22. Legally adopted grandchildren and step-grandchildren may also qualify for benefits if their grandparent becomes disabled or passes away (if the child’s natural or adoptive parents are deceased or disabled). Additional conditions are in play here, so it’s best to check with the Social Security Administration for more details.

Dependent parents

If a parent was financially dependent on his/her child for at least half of all financial support received at the time of the child’s death, that person may be eligible to receive monthly benefits from the Social Security Administration. To qualify, the parent must be at least 62 years old and not entitled to a higher Social Security benefit on his/her own record. The deceased worker must also have been fully insured under Social Security (i.e., having worked long enough and paid Social Security taxes for the required period).

How much is a survivor benefit for Social Security?

The Social Security survivor benefit amount ultimately depends on the deceased person's earnings history—the more the person paid into Social Security, the higher the survivor benefit (generally)—and the age of the surviving spouse.

More specifically, the amount is a percentage (typically between 71.5% and 100%) of what the deceased would’ve received upon reaching full retirement age (FRA) when he/she could’ve claimed Social Security benefits in full. Here are some examples:

Surviving spouses (including divorced spouses):

·      If you claim benefits at your FRA or older (age 67, for those born after 1961), you’ll generally receive 100% of your spouse’s benefit.

·      If you claim survivor benefits between age 60 and your FRA, your benefit will range from 71.5% to 99% of your spouse’s benefit; the longer you wait, the higher the percentage (e.g., over 80% at age 63 and 90% at age 65).

·      If you’re under age 60 and caring for a child under age 16, you’re typically entitled to 75% of your spouse’s benefit regardless of your own age.

Minor and disabled children:

The survivor benefit is typically 75% of the deceased parent’s benefit amount.

Dependent parents

The survivor benefit is 75% of the deceased parent’s benefit amount for each parent if there are two surviving parents or 82.5% for a single surviving parent.

Lump sum death payment for surviving spouses and children

In addition to monthly benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) offers a one-time lump sum payment of $255 to surviving spouses (provided they lived with the deceased at the time of death).

The lump sum may be paid to the deceased worker’s child or children in the absence of an eligible surviving spouse, so long as the child was already receiving benefits on the worker’s record or became eligible for benefits in the month the worker died. Eligible recipients must apply for the lump sum payment within two years of the date of death, unless they’re already receiving benefits.

Can surviving spouses collect their own Social Security retirement benefits AND survivor benefits?

You cannot collect both your own Social Security benefits and a deceased spouse’s benefits simultaneously; if you’re already receiving Social Security based on your own work history, you cannot combine this amount with your deceased spouse’s benefits. If your survivor benefit eclipses your current payment, however, you may apply to receive the survivor benefit instead.

What happens if the surviving spouse remarries?

If you’re a surviving spouse considering remarriage, you may still qualify for survivor benefits. Here are the key rules to keep in mind in this case:

·       Those who remarry before age 60 are generally not eligible for survivor or disability benefits as a surviving spouse, with exceptions noted for a disability or subsequent marriage ending in divorce or annulment.

·       Those who remarry after age 60 may still qualify for survivor benefits on the deceased spouse’s record or receive benefits based on the new spouse’s—whichever is higher.

Actions to take if a deceased spouse was receiving Social Security benefits

If your deceased spouse was receiving Social Security benefits at the time of death, you must promptly report his/her passing to the Social Security Administration (SSA) and return any benefits paid for the month of death or thereafter.

If your spouse passed away in November, for example, you’re required to return the benefits for that same month and any subsequent ones (contacting the financial institution to arrange for the return of funds to the SSA if benefits were deposited directly into your spouse’s bank account). If you yourself are receiving Social Security retirement benefits, meanwhile, notify the SSA as soon as possible as you’ll likely automatically switch to your spouse’s benefit if it’s higher than yours.

Working and collecting Social Security survivor benefits simultaneously

If you work before reaching your FRA, the income limit and annual limit set by the Social Security Administration (SSA) are calculated based on your calendar-year earnings (AKA the “Social Security retirement earnings test”).

Those under full retirement age in 2026, for example, can earn up to $24,480 before benefits are reduced. Earn more than this, and Social Security will withhold $1 for every $2 above that limit. You can earn up to $65,160 in the year you reach your FRA, with $1 withheld for every $3 over the limit until the month you do so and no limit on earnings thereafter.

Keep in mind that withholding means the SSA will halt your checks until the owed amount is fully recouped (e.g., if you owe $3,500 and your monthly Social Security check is $1,000, you won’t receive a check for four months with the $500 balance owed to you at a later date). Nevertheless, the amount withheld will be credited back to you beginning the month you reach your FRA.

Social Security survivor benefits are taxable

As you prepare for retirement, keep in mind that Social Security survivor benefits may be subject to federal income tax (some states also tax Social Security as well). If you receive survivor benefits and continue to earn income from employment or other sources, a portion of your benefits could become taxable with the percentage of benefits subject to tax depending primarily on your income.

How to apply for Social Security survivor benefits

You cannot apply for survivor benefits online and must do so over the phone by calling the Social Security Administration at 800-722-1213 to schedule an appointment. When you do so, be sure to inquire about the necessary documents you’ll need to bring along (typically your marriage certificate (or final divorce decree if you're applying as a surviving divorced spouse), the death certificate, your Social Security card, and your deceased spouse's Social Security number).

In sum: Social Security survivor benefits

While Social Security survivor benefits are sometimes an integral component of your financial plan, the rules surrounding them unfortunately aren't the most straightforward—which is precisely why enlisting the help of a trusted financial advisor is often recommended.

Have questions about Social Security survivor benefits? Schedule a free consultation with one of our CFP® professionals to get them answered.

FAQs

• When do survivor benefits begin?

  Social Security survivor benefits begin from the date you apply and are not retroactive to the date of death.

• How can I apply for Social Security survivor benefits online?

  Unfortunately, you can’t apply online and instead need to call 800-722-1213 to schedule an appointment.

• Can I claim survivor benefits and then switch to my own Social Security benefits?

  Yes, it's common for surviving or divorced spouses to initially claim survivor benefits and later switch to their own Social Security retirement benefits, many people using this strategy so the survivor benefit increases over time to ultimately produce a larger benefit than the original.

• What is the maximum family benefit cap for Social Security survivor benefits, and how does it affect the total amount paid to multiple family members?

  When multiple family members receive survivor benefits, they're subject to a maximum family benefit cap reflecting the total amount Social Security will pay (based on the deceased individual's earnings record). This cap generally ranges from 150% to 180% of the deceased spouse's basic benefit rate; if total survivor benefits exceed this cap, each family member's payment is reduced proportionately (with any benefits paid to a surviving divorced spouse based on disability or age and not counting toward this maximum amount).

About the author
The content in this post was developed by our team of writers and reviewed by our team of CFP® professionals here at Vision Retirement.

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Vision Retirement is an independent registered advisor (RIA) firm headquartered in Ridgewood, New Jersey. Launched in 2006 to better help people prepare for retirement and feel more confident in their decision-making, our firm’s mission is to provide clients with clarity and guidance so they can enjoy a comfortable and stress-free retirement. Schedule a no-obligation consultation with one of our financial advisors today!

Disclosures:
This document is a summary only and is not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual or business.