By Hillary Hatch, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist
Losing a spouse is difficult emotionally and financially. Social Security can help during this time. When your spouse passes away, you may be able to get benefits as a surviving spouse – even if you’re divorced.
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.
- Working and Benefits:
- 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?
Survivor benefits range from 71.5% to 100% of your spouse’s benefit, depending on your age when you apply.
When your spouse dies, we recommend you call us right away at 1-800-772-1213 about our $255 lump sum death payment. You’ll also want to discuss monthly benefits for you and your family.
Call us to Apply for Benefits
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. 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.
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.
You must also keep in mind
- 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.
For more information, check out our Survivors Benefits publication at www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10084.pdf and our Survivor benefits page at www.ssa.gov/survivor.
Please call us if you have questions or to schedule an appointment for yourself or a child.
Help us spread the word by sharing this information with your family, friends, and on social media.
Hillary Hatch is the Public Affairs Specialist for West Michigan. You can write her c/o Social Security Administration, 3045 Knapp NE, Grand Rapids MI 49525 or via email at hillary.hatch@ssa.gov