How Social Security Survivor Benefits WorkThis question, “When my spouse dies, what will I get from Social Security,” is one of the most frequently asked questions I receive during consultations and presentations, and for some reason so very few act on the available survivor benefits. The typical response from a living spouse is “I didn’t think I was entitled to anything.” That’s not the case. Today’s article will address the benefits available to a current spouse and ex-spouse. Show
Let’s briefly touch on the benefits available to children that may be explored in an upcoming column. In general, if you are caring for a child who is under 16 or disabled, you are eligible to receive benefits for that child no matter what age you are. Back to spouses and ex-spouses and survivor benefits. My advice is always be proactive and contact Social Security as soon as possible after your spouse passes away as benefits will only start once you apply. Survivor benefits are considered separate from your own retirement benefit, are flexible and paid for the rest of your life. What does it take to qualify for survivor benefits?
If you qualify, based on the above, this is what you can receive:
The benefit amounts described above are available to the surviving spouse based on the surviving spouses’ age. If the survivor benefits are taken at the survivor’s full retirement age, the benefit will be equal to 100% of the deceased spouses’ benefit amount. If the surviving spouse takes the benefit before their full retirement age, they are reduced for the survivors’ filing age based on the following scale:
As I mentioned before, survivor benefits are more flexible. You can coordinate your worker benefit and the survivor benefit to your advantage. Assuming you are eligible, you should always consider taking either your own worker benefit or the survivor benefit as soon as possible. You can then later choose to switch to the other benefit. Here is another strategy you need to consider which is only available to survivor benefits. If you are contemplating getting remarried, do it after you reach 60. If you remarry before age 60, you cannot receive survivor benefits. If you remarry after 60, you can continue to receive survivor benefits. One absolute regarding survivor benefits is there is NO advantage to wait to start collecting survivor benefits after you reach your full retirement age. Also, if you are both receiving benefits when one spouse passes away, you cannot continue to collect both benefits. The lower benefit of the two will disappear. So, if your own worker benefit exceeds the survivor benefit, you will not receive a survivor benefit as Social Security will pay the higher of the two benefits. The following rules also need to be considered:
One last bit of advice, you are entitled to a one-time death benefit of $255, if you’re sharing a house with the spouse at the time of death. If you’re living in separate locations at the time of death, you’ll receive the benefit based on the eligibility of the deceased spouse. If there’s no spouse, a dependent child under 18 is eligible for the benefit. There are additional exceptions to this – but that’s the general rule. What percentage of Social Security benefits does a widow receive?Widow or widower, full retirement age or older—100% of your benefit amount. Widow or widower, age 60 to full retirement age—71½ to 99% of your basic amount. A child under age 18 (19 if still in elementary or secondary school) or has a disability—75%.
When can a widow collect her husband's Social Security?The earliest a widow or widower can start receiving Social Security survivors benefits based on age will remain at age 60. Widows or widowers benefits based on age can start any time between age 60 and full retirement age as a survivor.
Can I collect my deceased spouse's Social Security and my own at the same time?Social Security will not combine a late spouse's benefit and your own and pay you both. When you are eligible for two benefits, such as a survivor benefit and a retirement payment, Social Security doesn't add them together but rather pays you the higher of the two amounts.
Does my wife get my Social Security after my death?Social Security survivors benefits are paid to widows, widowers, and dependents of eligible workers. This benefit is particularly important for young families with children.
How do I collect my deceased spouse Social Security?You can apply for benefits by calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting your local Social Security office. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to apply.
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