Social Security Survivor Benefits - What Happens To Your Social Security Income When Either Spouse Dies

When Social Security was first established, it only paid retirement money to workers who were eligible. It was later revised to include benefits for spouses and survivors, that made it more of a family or insurance program, rather then only a retirement plan.

Unfortunately, it is inevitable that many spouses will find themselves widowed during their retirement. This is not only a substantial loss emotionally, but can be an immense loss financially as well, particularly since the survivor will lose the money earned by the spouse that has died.

The Social Security survivor benefit was developed to ensure that the surviving spouse wouldn't lose all of their earnings when the first spouse passes. Basically, the survivor income is 100% of the spouse's benefit before he or she passed. Supposing that both spouses are at present receiving Social Security, if the spouse with the greater amount of Social Security dies first, the spouse with the lower income will get a rise in her income. However if the spouse with the lower payment passes first, the surviving spouse's benefit will not change.

There are some rules in order to be eligible for Social Security death benefits: The couple should have been married for more than 9 months before the spouse's death, except if his death was a result of an accident. Also, separated spouses may qualify for widow's income as long as they were married for minimum 10 years.

Widows can apply for survivor benefits starting at age 60, or age 50 if they are disabled. Just like with retirement and spousal benefits, the widow may not like to start collecting at age 60 because the benefit will be lowered for every month received before touching full retirement age. A widow can hope to get anywhere from 71.5% to 100% of her departed spouse's benefit based on how old she is when she starts collecting the survivor benefit.

It's important to note that as a widow you will receive the survivor benefit or your own income, whichever is more. So your benefit will go up if your spouse's benefit was more than your own, however you will still miss one benefit, so your total benefit from Social Security could be 1/3 to 1/2 less than it was before your spouse died.

One strategy to help maximize your total benefits assuming your spouse passes before you attain full retirement age is to begin collecting widow's benefits as soon as your spouse passes (assuming you are more than age 60 or your are age 50 and crippled), then move to your own benefit once you attain your full retirement age. This will allow your own retirement benefits to continue earning credits and therefore will increase your retirement benefit. Or, if the survivor benefit is substantially higher than your own benefit, you could request your own benefit early, then move to the survivor benefit when you are at full retirement age.

You may apply for Social Security widow benefits right away after a relative has passed. To do so, you can contact the Social Security Administration or visit the office nearest to you. It's important to understand how Social Security survivor benefits work so you can maximize your retirement income, particularly after the loss of a loved one.

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