Understand Who Can Qualify for Survivor Benefits

The first step in maximizing survivor benefits is knowing who is eligible. Social Security survivor benefits can be paid to:

• Spouses: Widows or widowers can receive survivor benefits at any age if they are caring for the deceased’s child under the age of 16 or disabled. Otherwise, they must wait until they reach full retirement age (FRA) or start receiving benefits at age 60 (reduced benefits).
• Ex-Spouses: If you were married to the deceased for at least 10 years, you may be eligible for survivor benefits, even if you are divorced.
• Children: Children under age 18, or up to 19 if they are still in high school, can receive survivor benefits. Disabled children may be eligible for benefits at any age if they were disabled before age 22.
• Dependent Parents: If the deceased worker provided more than half of the support for a parent who is at least 62 years old, that parent may be eligible for survivor benefits.

Consider the Timing of Your Claim

One of the most effective ways to maximize survivor benefits is to carefully consider the timing of your claim.

• Claiming Early: You can begin receiving survivor benefits as early as age 60 (or age 50 if disabled). However, claiming early means your benefits will be reduced. Survivor benefits for a widow or widower claiming at age 60 are 71.5% of the full benefit amount.
• Wait Until Full Retirement Age (FRA): If you wait until you reach your full retirement age, you’ll receive the full amount of survivor benefits. The FRA depends on your birth year, but for most people, it’s 66 or 67.
• Delaying Benefits: If you’re not in immediate financial need, delaying survivor benefits past full retirement age may be beneficial. The benefits may increase by 8% for each year you delay, up to age 70. This could significantly increase the amount of your monthly benefit.

Consider Your Own Social Security Benefits

If you are eligible for both your own Social Security retirement benefits and survivor benefits, you may be able to maximize your benefits by carefully selecting which one to claim.

• Claiming Survivor Benefits First: If your deceased spouse’s benefit is higher than your own, you may want to claim survivor benefits first, and then switch to your own benefits later, at age 70, to receive the higher amount.
• Switching to Your Own Benefits: Once you reach 70, your own Social Security retirement benefits will have grown due to delayed retirement credits. You can then switch to your own benefits, which will be larger than what you would have received if you had claimed them at an earlier age.

Be Strategic with Your Ex-Spouse’s Benefits

If you’re a divorced spouse, you might be able to maximize survivor benefits from your ex-spouse if they were entitled to Social Security benefits.

• Ex-Spouse Survivor Benefits: If you were married to your ex for at least 10 years and are at least 60 years old, you may be eligible for survivor benefits based on their earnings, even if you are remarried (as long as your new marriage ended).
• Consider Your Timing: If your ex’s benefit is higher than yours, you could claim survivor benefits from your ex-spouse and then switch to your own benefits when you reach age 70.

Avoid Remarrying Before Age 60

If you are widowed, remarrying before age 60 will cause you to lose eligibility for survivor benefits based on your deceased spouse’s record. However, if you remarry after age 60, you can still collect survivor benefits based on your deceased spouse's work record.

Make Sure Your Social Security Record is Correct

Ensure that the Social Security Administration (SSA) has the correct record of your spouse’s or ex-spouse’s earnings, as well as your own. This can help you avoid any mistakes or delays in receiving your survivor benefits. If there are discrepancies or errors, make sure they are corrected before you apply for benefits.

File for Benefits as Soon as Possible After a Loved One Passes

You should apply for survivor benefits as soon as possible after the death of your loved one, as it may take several weeks to process the claim. The SSA generally requires a death certificate and other necessary documentation to process your claim, so have these documents ready.