Switching to Social Security Survivor Benefits After a Spouse Dies

When a spouse dies, the surviving spouse may be eligible for Social Security survivor benefits. The basic idea: a widow or widower can receive the higher of their own benefit or their late spouse's benefit, but not both added together. This trips up a lot of new widows who thought they would collect two checks. You only collect one — the bigger one.

The rules for when you can claim survivor benefits are different from regular retirement benefits. You can begin survivor benefits as early as age 60 (age 50 if disabled), even if you have not yet claimed your own retirement benefit. This opens a planning move: claim survivor benefits at 60 and let your own retirement benefit keep growing until age 70, when it reaches its highest possible amount. Then switch.

The amount you receive depends on your age when you claim and what your spouse was already receiving (or eligible to receive). If you claim survivor benefits before your full retirement age (66 to 67 for most current widows), the amount is reduced. At full retirement age, you receive 100 percent of what your spouse was getting. Claiming early can permanently reduce the monthly check by up to 28.5 percent.

You cannot apply for survivor benefits online. You have to call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local Social Security office. Bring a certified death certificate, your marriage certificate, your Social Security card, and both of your most recent tax returns.

(Sources: Social Security Administration — Survivors Benefits; AARP — Social Security Survivor Benefits)