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How to Navigate Social Security Survivor Benefits for a Spouse

When a loved one passes away, you may need to take some time to process your emotions and seek solace. But when the loved one is your spouse, you may have to both grieve and address a handful of immediate issues, such as figuring out funeral arrangements and costs and sorting out estate, probate, and legal expenses.

At the same time, you have to continue shouldering your daily responsibilities and managing your household’s day-to-day expenses. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration (SSA) may have some financial relief to offer you through Social Security survivor benefits for a spouse. Let’s explore the two primary types of Social Security survivor benefits, what each entails, and the steps to claim the benefits.

Surviving Spouses May Qualify for Monthly Survivor Benefits

Social Security survivor benefits are monthly payments to eligible spouses, divorced spouses, children, or dependent parents of someone who worked and paid Social Security taxes before their death. The amount of the benefit can vary based on several factors, including the deceased spouse’s earnings record and the age of the surviving spouse or person when the benefits are claimed.

Although there’s no hard time limit for applying for survivor benefits, applying as soon as possible can help ensure you receive benefits when eligible. Delays may result in missed payments.

Who Is Eligible for Social Security Survivor Benefits?

You may be eligible to claim Social Security survivor benefits for a spouse if you:

  • Are 60 years old or older; or if you have a disability and are 50 years old or older

  • Were married for at least 9 months before your spouse passed

  • Didn’t remarry before age 60 (or age 50 if you have a disability)

You may still qualify if you were married for at least 10 years—and, in some cases, even if your relationship wasn’t a traditional marriage. If you care for your late spouse’s child, you may be eligible for benefits regardless of age or how long you were married. Qualifying children, adult children with disability, and dependent parents may also be eligible for survivor payments.

How Much Are Survivor Benefits Payments?

Your monthly Social Security survivor benefit largely depends on your spouse’s work history and lifetime earnings. It also depends on your age. For surviving spouses, payments can start at 71.5% of your spouse’s benefit and increase the longer you wait to apply:

  • More than 75% at 61

  • More than 80% at 63

  • More than 90% at 65

When you delay taking Social Security benefits and reach your full retirement age for survivor benefits—which may be between age 66 and 67—you can receive up to 100%. However, receiving Social Security retirement or other benefits may reduce your survivor’s benefit.

Surviving Spouses May Receive a Lump-Sum Death Benefit

The lump-sum death benefit is currently $255, regardless of your spouse’s work history or earnings. While this amount may seem low, the lump-sum benefit amount of $255 was more than three times the maximum monthly benefit payable under Social Security before 1952. Unfortunately, this amount has remained stagnant for the last 80 years, and inflation has slowly eroded the value.

Although the proposed Social Security Survivor Benefits Equity Act would increase it from $255 to $2,900 for deaths in 2025, other proposals range from eliminating the provision to altering eligibility rules. As of February 2025, none of these proposals have passed into legislation.

Who Is Eligible for the Lump-Sum Death Benefit?

Surviving spouses who lived in the same house as the deceased at the time of death are eligible for the benefit. If there’s no surviving spouse, the deceased’s child who meets the eligibility criteria can claim the benefit. Unlike monthly survivor benefits, you must claim the lump-sum death benefit within two years of the deceased death.

Simple Steps to Claiming Social Security Survivor Benefits

Claiming the monthly and/or lump-sum survivor death benefit is fairly straightforward. To get started, gather the necessary documentation, including:

  • The deceased’s death certificate

  • Your and the deceased’s Social Security number

  • Your birth certificate and marriage certificate (if applicable)

Next, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office to provide the necessary documentation and complete the application. Afterward, you can monitor your application’s status and provide any extra information promptly to ensure the process is as smooth as possible.

Can a Spouse Receive the Monthly Survivor and Lump-Sum Death Benefit?

Surviving spouses may be eligible for both the lump-sum death benefit and the monthly survivor benefits. Even so, both benefits may not equal a livable income. According to the Social Security Administration, in December 2024, the average survivor benefit was $1,545.57.

Instead of relying solely on Social Security survivor benefits for a spouse, you may want to plan and create additional income streams to safeguard your or your dependent’s future. Here are some options:

  • A term or whole life insurance policy can provide a lump sum upon a spouse’s death. This can help replace lost income, cover living expenses, and provide financial stability during an emotionally difficult time.

  • Annuities are contracts that guarantee regular income payments for life or a set period. Some annuities offer survivor benefits that provide ongoing income to spouses.

  • A well-funded 401(k) or IRA can supplement survivor benefits and help maintain financial stability.

  • Stocks, bonds, and mutual funds can generate dividends and capital gains to supplement Social Security benefits.

  • Owning rental properties can generate a steady monthly passive income stream that doesn’t rely on employment or Social Security benefits.

Bankers Life Can Help You Achieve Your Vision of the Future

Losing a spouse is an emotionally and financially challenging experience, but Social Security survivor benefits can help ease the financial burden. However, Social Security survivor benefits are likely not enough to be a surviving spouse’s sole source of income. By planning and incorporating multiple income sources, you can build a strong financial foundation that ensures security and flexibility—no matter what the future holds.

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