Losing a spouse cuts both ways – both emotionally and financially. One of the questions that the Social Security admins hear a lot is what happens to someone's Social Security benefits when their spouse passes away.
The good news is that – typically – you may be able to get benefits as a surviving spouse – even if you’re divorced.
In a news release, Monday, the SSA framed their current stance like this:
You may be eligible for survivor benefits if:
- You are age 60 or older (or 50+ if disabled).
- You are caring for your deceased spouse’s child under 16 or with a disability.
- Children and some divorced spouses may also qualify.
And if you're still working?
Well, in that case, the SSA says that "You can work and receive survivor benefits, but earnings limits apply if you’re under full retirement age."
How much can you get as a surviving spouse?
First things first: When your spouse dies, you should call the SSA ASAP at 1-800-772-1213 about its $255 lump sum death payment.
Once that's done, then it's time to discuss monthly benefits for you and your family.
According to the department, survivor benefits range from 71.5% to 100% of your spouse’s benefit, depending on your age when you apply. Here's a breakdown of how that works out:
Approximate benefit: 71.5%
Monthly amount: $1,430
Approximate benefit: ~80%
Monthly amount: $1,600
Approximate benefit: ~90%
Monthly amount: $1,800
Approximate benefit: 100%
Monthly amount: $2,000
And what about your former spouse?
If your former spouse dies, you may qualify as a surviving divorced spouse if:
- You were married at least 10 years, even if your spouse remarried.
- You are at least age 60 (or 50 if disabled).
- You are single, unless your remarriage occurred after age 60.
If you think you can double-dip and get a check from your former spouse and the one who just passed, the answer is a double-dipped NO! Social Security will only pay one survivor benefit — the higher of the two.
But the situation with a former spouse and a current spouse can still matter because you may have multiple options, and the best one depends on which benefit is larger and when you claim. Make the call – it won't hurt to ask.
Smart Senior Daily Staff
We're not done yet
The SSA says that two of the places where people have questions are about working and retirement benefits. Here's their baseline answers:
- You may be able to work and get survivor benefits. It depends on your age and how much you’re earning. If you’re younger than full retirement age, you’re subject to an earnings limit.
- If you already receive retirement or disability benefits on your own work record, you may be due survivor benefits if they’re greater than your own. You won’t receive both – you’ll get the higher amount.
Call, but don't go online
You can apply for both the lump sum death payment and monthly benefits at the same time by calling us at 1-800-772-1213. However, you cannot apply for Survivor benefits online.
If you already receive spouse benefits, you’ll be automatically converted to survivor benefits, but you should still call us for the lump sum payment.
For more information, check out the department's Survivors Benefits publication and our Survivor benefits page.
Gary P Guthrie
