Users' questions

When I die will my wife get my Social Security benefits?

When I die will my wife get my Social Security benefits?

When a retired worker dies, the surviving spouse gets an amount equal to the worker’s full retirement benefit. Example: John Smith has a $1,200-a-month retirement benefit. His wife Jane gets $600 as a 50 percent spousal benefit. Total family income from Social Security is $1,800 a month.

How does SSA work when a spouse dies?

If My Spouse Dies, Can I Collect Their Social Security Benefits? A surviving spouse can collect 100 percent of the late spouse’s benefit if the survivor has reached full retirement age, but the amount will be lower if the deceased spouse claimed benefits before he or she reached full retirement age.

When can you get your deceased spouse Social Security?

age 60
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.

Who are the survivors of a social security 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. This page provides detailed information about survivors benefits and can help you understand what to expect from Social Security when you or a loved one dies.

When is my spouse eligible for survivor benefits?

Social Security Survivor Benefits FAQ 1. Q: What survivor benefits are available to my spouse? A: If your spouse is at least age 60 (or age 50 if disabled), he or she may be eligible for a survivor benefit that is based upon your benefit upon your passing.

What happens to your social security if your spouse dies before you turn 60?

Social Security will pay you either your retirement benefits or survivor benefits, whichever amount is higher. Also, if your spouse died young enough that you remarried before you turned 60, you won’t be able to collect a widow/widowers benefit. If you wait until after you turn 60, you can get the benefits.

What’s the maximum amount SSA can pay to a surviving spouse?

The limit varies, but it is generally equal to between 150 and 180 percent of the basic benefit rate. If the sum of the benefits payable to family members is greater than this limit, the benefits will be reduced proportionately. (Any benefits paid to a surviving divorced spouse based on disability or age won’t count toward this maximum amount.)

Social Security survivors benefits are paid to widows, widowers, and dependents of eligible workers. This benefit is particularly important for young families with children. This page provides detailed information about survivors benefits and can help you understand what to expect from Social Security when you or a loved one dies.

What happens to SSA survivor benefits at age 62?

At age 62 a $1000 survivors benefit would be reduced to 3. Monthly % reduction 4. If the survivor was born on January 1 of any year, use the information for the previous year. If someone was born on the 1st of the month, we figure the benefit (and the full retirement age) as if their birthday was in the previous month.

How do I apply for Survivor when my spouse dies?

If you were already receiving spousal benefits on the deceased’s work record, Social Security will in most cases switch you automatically to survivor benefits when the death is reported. Otherwise, you will need to apply for survivor benefits by phone at 800-772-1213 or in person at your local Social Security office .

Social Security will pay you either your retirement benefits or survivor benefits, whichever amount is higher. Also, if your spouse died young enough that you remarried before you turned 60, you won’t be able to collect a widow/widowers benefit. If you wait until after you turn 60, you can get the benefits.