When your spouse dies, your Social Security benefits don't automatically stop, but they may change. The rules differ depending on whether you have claimed benefits yet, your age, and whether you have children.
If you haven't claimed yet, you can claim survivor benefits at any age if you have a child under 16 in your care. Otherwise, you can claim at 60 (or 50 if disabled). The survivor benefit equals up to 75% of what your spouse was receiving or entitled to receive. If you already claimed your own retirement benefit, Social Security pays your benefit first, then adds a survivor benefit on top, up to your spouse's full retirement age amount.
Your spouse's death also opens a potential opportunity. If you were born before January 2, 1954, you may qualify for a restricted application strategy. You could claim only on your spouse's record and let your own benefit grow until 70, when it reaches its maximum. This option is no longer available for those born January 2, 1954 or later.
Children under 19 (or up to 22 if full-time students) can claim survivor benefits equal to up to 75% of your deceased spouse's benefit. A family maximum applies, typically 150% to 180% of what the worker earned. If multiple family members claim, the total is divided among them.
Notify Social Security of your spouse's death promptly. You'll need a death certificate and proof of marriage. Processing typically takes two to four weeks.
Divorced spouses can also receive survivor benefits if the marriage lasted at least 10 years and you haven't remarried before age 60 (or 50 if disabled).
Plan ahead by reviewing your Social Security statement. Estimate your household's future benefits under different scenarios. Consider consulting a financial advisor familiar with Social Security claiming strategies, particularly if you're close to claiming age when