When a couple is both receiving Social Security retirement benefits, the death of one spouse triggers a transition to survivor benefits. Instead of receiving two separate checks, the surviving spouse becomes entitled to only the higher of the two benefit amounts. This change is a significant financial event that requires careful planning and communication with the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Understanding Survivor Benefits
Survivor benefits are based on the earnings record of the deceased worker. The amount the surviving spouse receives depends heavily on their own age, the age at which their late spouse started collecting benefits, and whether the survivor continues to work. For a surviving spouse who has reached their full retirement age (FRA), the benefit can be up to 100% of the deceased spouse's benefit. For those who claim early, the benefit is reduced.
How Benefits Are Calculated
Here are some key factors that determine the size of your survivor benefit:
- Deceased's earnings: The benefit amount is based on the deceased spouse's average lifetime earnings. The more they earned, the higher the potential benefit for the survivor.
- Survivor's age: The age at which the survivor claims benefits is critical. Waiting until your FRA will maximize your monthly payment. Claiming between ages 60 and FRA will result in a permanently reduced benefit.
- Deceased's claiming age: If the deceased spouse claimed their retirement benefits before their own FRA, it could reduce the potential survivor benefit amount, though a cap exists.
The Choice Between Your Own and Survivor Benefits
Since you can only receive one benefit, if you were already collecting your own Social Security, the SSA will pay you the higher of the two amounts. The strategy often hinges on the difference in the spouses' earning records. If your deceased spouse was the higher earner, you may be able to switch to their higher survivor benefit. The key is to evaluate the two amounts and choose the most advantageous claiming strategy.
A common and flexible strategy is to take a reduced survivor benefit as early as age 60 (or 50 if disabled) while your own retirement benefit continues to grow. You can then switch to your own maximum retirement benefit at age 70. This can provide a crucial income boost while maximizing your eventual benefit. If your own benefit is higher, it may make sense to simply continue receiving that amount.
Comparison of Benefits
| Feature | Survivor Benefits | Your Own Retirement Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Basis | Deceased spouse's lifetime earnings | Your own lifetime earnings |
| Full Amount | Up to 100% of the deceased's benefit at your FRA | Up to 100% of your Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) at your FRA |
| Earliest Claim Age | Age 60 (Age 50 if disabled) | Age 62 |
| Impact of Early Claim | Permanently reduces the monthly payment | Permanently reduces the monthly payment |
| Remarriage Rules | In most cases, remarriage before age 60 ends benefits; remarriage after age 60 does not | Does not affect your own retirement benefits |
| Can you collect both? | No, you receive the higher of the two amounts | No, you receive the higher of the two amounts |
How to Apply for Survivor Benefits
Applying for survivor benefits is a process that requires direct contact with the SSA; you cannot apply online. The SSA recommends that you report the death as soon as possible by calling 1-800-772-1213 or visiting your local office.
Application Checklist
- Report the death: The funeral home will often report the death, but you should still contact the SSA yourself to start the process.
- Call or visit the SSA: Applications for survivors benefits are not available online. You must apply by phone or in person.
- Gather documents: Be prepared with important documents, including your spouse's death certificate, your marriage certificate, and both of your Social Security numbers.
- Consider a lump-sum payment: A one-time lump-sum death payment of $255 is available to a surviving spouse living with the deceased.
Earnings Limits and Other Considerations
If you are younger than your FRA and continue to work while receiving survivor benefits, your earnings may cause a temporary reduction in your benefits. The SSA's annual earnings test applies to survivor benefits just as it does to retirement benefits. However, once you reach your FRA, the earnings limit no longer applies.
For most people, the death of a spouse represents a significant and permanent reduction in household Social Security income. As highlighted by the National Academy of Social Insurance, a couple receiving equal benefits will see their total monthly income halved, because the survivor keeps only their own benefit. This makes strategic claiming even more crucial.
Conclusion
Losing a spouse is both an emotional and financial challenge, and navigating Social Security benefits adds a layer of complexity. For a surviving spouse already on Social Security, the core rule is that you will receive the higher of your own benefit or the survivor benefit, not both combined. By understanding the factors that influence your survivor benefit amount, including your claiming age and your late spouse's earnings, you can make an informed decision to maximize your financial security. The optimal strategy may involve claiming one benefit early while delaying the other to maximize its growth. Consulting directly with the SSA is the necessary first step to ensure you receive everything you are entitled to, especially since in-person or phone contact is required for survivor benefit applications.
For more detailed information, the official Social Security website is an excellent resource: ssa.gov.
