Every Senior Benefit

Social Security survivor benefits

In short: When a worker dies, their husband or wife can get a monthly survivor benefit based on the worker’s record. At the survivor’s full retirement age it can be 100% of what the worker got. It can start as early as 60, or 50 with a disability. You cannot apply online; you apply by phone or at an office.

Who can get it

  • Widow or widower: age 60 or older, or 50 to 59 if you have a disability, or any age if you care for the worker’s child under 16 or disabled.
  • Divorced spouse: the same ages, if the marriage lasted 10 years or more.
  • You were usually married at least 9 months before the death (there are exceptions, such as an accident).
  • Remarriage: if you remarry after 60 (or after 50 with a disability), you can still get survivor benefits.
  • The worker must have enough work credits. Social Security checks this for you.

How much it pays

  • At your full retirement age for survivors: 100% of the late worker’s benefit. If the worker had started benefits early, it is based on the reduced amount (with a minimum).
  • At 60: 71.5% of the worker’s benefit. Between 60 and full retirement age it rises each month.
  • A one-time payment of $255 goes to a spouse who lived with the worker, or who was getting benefits on the worker’s record.
  • If you work and are under full retirement age, the same earnings limit as retirement benefits applies ($24,480 a year in 2026).

Choosing between survivor and your own benefit

You cannot get both in full, but you can pick the order. For example, you can take a survivor benefit at 60 and switch to your own retirement benefit at 70 if your own will be larger, or the other way around. Ask Social Security to show you both amounts before you decide. This choice is available to survivors, unlike spouses.

How to apply

  • You cannot apply online for survivor benefits.
  • By phone: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time. Ask for a free interpreter if you need one.
  • In person: find your office at ssa.gov/locator. Call first to make an appointment.

Report the death: the funeral home usually reports it to Social Security. Ask them to do so. Any payment for the month of death or later must be returned.

What to have ready: the death certificate (or the funeral home’s details), your Social Security number and the worker’s, your marriage certificate, your birth certificate, and for a former spouse, the divorce decree.

Things people miss

  • If you already get your own benefit, you may get more as a survivor. Social Security does not always switch you automatically. Call and ask.
  • Apply soon. Survivor benefits can only be paid back a limited number of months.
  • Children under 18 (or 19 in high school), and some dependent parents, may also qualify.

Check what you may qualify for

Sources

Page last reviewed: 1791763200