> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.smartseniordaily.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Social Security Sets the Record Straight on Survivors Benefits - URL: https://www.smartseniordaily.com/social-security-sets-the-record-straight-on-survivors-benefits/ - Published: 2026-03-17T10:10:24.000Z - Updated: 2026-03-17T10:10:23.000Z - Description: Some divorced spouses may (!) also qualify. Children, too. - Author: Smart Senior Daily Staff - Tags: Social Security, Government Benefits 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](https://www.ssa.gov/OP%5FHome/handbook/handbook.04/handbook-0428.html?ref=smartseniordaily.com). Once that's done, *then* it's time to discuss monthly benefits for you and your family. According to the department, [survivor benefits](https://www.ssa.gov/survivor?ref=smartseniordaily.com) 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: **Age 60 (earliest survivor benefit)** Approximate benefit: **71.5%** Monthly amount: **$1,430** **Age 62** Approximate benefit: **\~80%** Monthly amount: **$1,600** **Age 65** Approximate benefit: **\~90%** Monthly amount: **$1,800** **Full Retirement Age (66-67 depending on birth year)** 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. [Finding the Perfect Gift for the Spouse Who Has EverythingYes, Romeo (or Juliet), a heartfelt poem might go a long way.![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/d9/1a/d91a71e8-ed81-4ec8-8028-ec14ba129b35/content/images/icon/SSD-FavIcon1-366.png)Smart Senior DailySmart Senior Daily Staff![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/d9/1a/d91a71e8-ed81-4ec8-8028-ec14ba129b35/content/images/thumbnail/Shopping-Man2.png)](https://www.smartseniordaily.com/finding-the-perfect-gift-for-the-spouse-who-has-everything/) ## 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](https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/ageincrease.html?ref=smartseniordaily.com), 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*](https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10084.pdf?ref=smartseniordaily.com) publication and our [Survivor benefits](http://www.ssa.gov/survivor?ref=smartseniordaily.com) page. [Social Security Articles for Seniors | Smart Senior DailyRead the latest Social Security news, tips, and updates for seniors. Stay informed and make smarter benefit decisions. Explore articles now!![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/d9/1a/d91a71e8-ed81-4ec8-8028-ec14ba129b35/content/images/icon/SSD-FavIcon1-364.png)Smart Senior DailyGary P Guthrie![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/d9/1a/d91a71e8-ed81-4ec8-8028-ec14ba129b35/content/images/thumbnail/SOCIAL-SECURITY-SSD-Category_-4.png)](https://www.smartseniordaily.com/tag/social-security/)