Can I collect my deceased spouse's Social Security?

Yes. Surviving spouses can receive up to 100% of the deceased spouse's benefit amount starting at full retirement age (67 for those born in 1960 or later). Reduced benefits are available starting at age 60 (50 if disabled). You can switch between your own benefit and survivor benefits to maximize your total income.

How much Social Security does a surviving spouse get?

At full retirement age: 100% of the deceased's benefit. At age 60: about 71.5% of the deceased's benefit. A one-time lump-sum death benefit of $255 is also paid. If caring for a child under 16, you can receive 75% of the deceased's benefit at any age.

Can I collect both my Social Security and my deceased spouse's?

Not simultaneously — but you can choose the higher of the two. A common strategy: take the survivor benefit at 60, let your own benefit grow, then switch to your own at 70 if it's higher. You can also take your own reduced benefit early and switch to the full survivor benefit at full retirement age.

How do I apply for Social Security survivor benefits?

You cannot apply for survivor benefits online. You must call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local Social Security office. Have the deceased's Social Security number, death certificate, your marriage certificate, and your own SSN ready. Benefits can begin the month the worker died if you apply promptly.

What Happens to Social Security When Your Spouse Dies?

You can receive up to 100% of your deceased spouse’s Social Security benefit. Survivor benefits are one of the most valuable — and most overlooked — parts of Social Security. Knowing the rules can mean tens of thousands of dollars in additional lifetime income.

For a full claiming strategy, benefit formulas, and planning checklist, start with the Social Security master guide.

Who Qualifies for Survivor Benefits

Relationship	Age Requirement	Benefit Amount
Surviving spouse	60+ (or 50+ if disabled)	71.5%-100% of deceased’s benefit
Surviving spouse (any age)	Caring for child under 16	75% of deceased’s benefit
Surviving ex-spouse	60+ and married 10+ years	Same as surviving spouse
Dependent child	Under 18 (19 if in high school)	75% of deceased’s benefit
Dependent parent (age 62+)	Was dependent on the deceased	75-82.5% of deceased’s benefit

Benefit Amount by Age

Age You Claim	Percentage of Deceased’s Benefit	Example ($2,500 benefit)
60	71.5%	$1,788/month
61	76.2%	$1,905/month
62	81.0%	$2,025/month
63	85.7%	$2,143/month
64	90.5%	$2,263/month
65	95.2%	$2,380/month
66	97.6%	$2,440/month
67 (FRA)	100%	$2,500/month

Full retirement age for survivor benefits is 66-67, depending on birth year.

Maximizing Your Benefits: Strategies

Strategy	How It Works	Best For
Take survivor benefit early, switch to own at 70	Collect survivor at 60; let your own benefit grow 8%/year until 70	Your own benefit is higher than survivor benefit at FRA
Take own benefit early, switch to survivor at FRA	Collect your reduced own benefit at 62; switch to 100% survivor at FRA	Survivor benefit is higher than your own
Take survivor benefit at FRA	Wait until 67 for 100% of deceased’s benefit	You don’t need income before FRA

Example:

Your benefit at 70: $3,200/month
Survivor benefit at FRA: $2,500/month
Strategy: Take $1,788/month survivor benefit at 60, switch to your $3,200/month own benefit at 70

Lump-Sum Death Benefit

Detail	Info
Amount	$255 (one-time)
Who receives it	Surviving spouse living with the deceased (or eligible child)
How to apply	Contact Social Security; usually processed with survivor benefit application
Timeline	Apply within 2 years of death

Earnings Limit (If Working)

Your Age	Earnings Limit (2026)	Reduction
Under FRA all year	~$23,400	$1 withheld for every $2 earned above limit
Year you reach FRA	~$62,160	$1 withheld for every $3 earned above limit
FRA and older	No limit	No reduction

Withheld benefits aren’t lost — they’re added back to your benefit after you reach FRA.

Remarriage Rules

Situation	Effect on Survivor Benefits
Remarry before age 60	Lose eligibility for survivor benefits (unless new marriage ends)
Remarry at age 60 or later	Keep survivor benefits
Remarry, then divorce	May have benefits from multiple ex-spouses

How to Apply

Step	Action
1	Report the death to Social Security (call 1-800-772-1213)
2	Gather: death certificate, marriage certificate, Social Security numbers
3	Apply for survivor benefits (in person at local SSA office or by phone)
4	Discuss strategy with SSA representative (own benefit vs. survivor benefit)
5	Benefits begin the month after you apply

The Bottom Line

Survivor benefits can provide $1,800-$3,000+ per month and last for the rest of your life. The key decisions: when to claim (earlier means a reduced amount), whether to take your own benefit or the survivor benefit first, and which switching strategy maximizes your lifetime income. These decisions are worth hundreds of thousands of dollars — consider consulting a Social Security specialist.

For more on Social Security, see the Social Security hub.

Written by WealthVieu

WealthVieu researches and writes data-driven personal finance guides using primary sources including the IRS, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Federal Reserve, and Census Bureau.

The content on Wealthvieu is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, tax, or investment advice. Consult a qualified professional before making financial decisions. Full disclaimer · Editorial policy