Who qualifies and how much
| Survivor | Main conditions | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Widow or widower | Age 60 or older, or 50 to 59 with a disability; married at least 9 months before the death; did not remarry before 60 (50 with a disability) | 71.5% at 60, rising to 100% at full retirement age for survivors |
| Widow or widower caring for the deceased's child | Any age, if the child is under 16 or has a disability | Depends on the record and the family maximum |
| Surviving divorced spouse | Married at least 10 years; age 60, or 50 with a disability; single unless the remarriage came after 60 | Same range as a widow or widower; does not count toward the family maximum |
| Child | Unmarried and 17 or younger, 18 or 19 and in school (K to 12) full time, or any age with a disability that began before 22 | Generally 75% of the parent's benefit |
| Dependent parent | Age 62 or older and financially supported by the child who died | Depends on the record |
Payments on one record are capped by a family maximum; if needed, everyone's payments are lowered to stay under it. Ex-spouses do not count toward that cap. A spouse or some minor children may also get a one-time lump-sum death payment of $255.
Why the age you apply matters
A surviving spouse's benefit starts at 71.5 percent of the deceased spouse's benefit and rises the longer you wait, reaching 100 percent at your full retirement age for survivor benefits, which is between 66 and 67. The SSA's examples: over 75 percent at 61, over 80 percent at 63, over 90 percent at 65.
The base is the deceased spouse's own benefit. Unlike a spousal benefit, which stops at half of the worker's full retirement age amount, a surviving spouse's benefit is based on the higher amount, including delayed retirement credits the worker earned.
Survivor benefit or your own
If you can get a survivor benefit and your own retirement or disability benefit, you are paid the higher one, not both. You can choose when to take each, which the SSA describes in two ways:
- Survivor first, your own later: take survivor benefits while your own retirement benefit grows, and switch to it at 70 if it is then higher.
- Your own first, survivor later: take a reduced retirement benefit and switch to a higher survivor benefit later.
Before full retirement age, an earnings limit applies if you work, and payments can be temporarily reduced. Survivors may also get Medicare on the worker's record at 65, or earlier with a disability or ESRD. How the benefits are taxed is in how Social Security benefits are taxed.
How to apply
- Call 1-800-772-1213. Survivor benefits cannot be applied for online; you can apply for monthly benefits and the lump sum in the same call.
- Already on spouse's benefits? They convert to survivor benefits automatically, but call for the $255 lump sum.
- For a child, call the same number to schedule an appointment.
The budget planner helps rework a household budget around the new income.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Social Security survivor benefit for a widow?
Between 71.5 percent and 100 percent of the deceased spouse's benefit, depending on your age when you apply, per the SSA. It starts at 71.5 percent at 60 and reaches 100 percent at your full retirement age for survivor benefits, which is between 66 and 67.
Can I get survivor benefits and my own retirement benefit?
Not both added together. You get the higher amount, but you can choose the order: the SSA says you might take survivor benefits first and switch to your own retirement benefit at 70 when it is highest, or take a reduced retirement benefit and switch to a higher survivor benefit later.
Can I apply for survivor benefits online?
No. The SSA says survivor benefits cannot be claimed online; you apply by calling 1-800-772-1213. If you already get spouse's benefits, they convert to survivor benefits automatically, but you still call for the $255 lump-sum death payment.
Can a divorced spouse get survivor benefits?
Yes, if the marriage lasted at least 10 years, even if the former spouse remarried. You must be at least 60, or 50 with a disability, and single unless you remarried after 60.
What if I remarry?
Remarrying before 60 (50 with a disability) ends eligibility as a surviving spouse while you are married. Remarrying after 60 (50 with a disability) does not, the SSA says.
Sources
- Social Security Administration: Who can get Survivor benefits (spouses 60 or older or 50 to 59 with a disability, married at least 9 months, no remarriage before 60 or 50; ex-spouses after 10 years; caring for the deceased's child; children; dependent parents 62 or older)
- SSA: What you could get from Survivor benefits (from 71.5% up to 100% at full retirement age for survivors between 66 and 67; children generally 75%; the family maximum and ex-spouses; choosing and switching between benefits; the $255 lump-sum death payment; Medicare)
- SSA: What you should know about Social Security if your spouse passes away (May 29, 2025: earnings limit, the higher of two benefits, applying by phone and not online, automatic conversion from spouse's benefits, surviving divorced spouses)
- SSA: Our survivor benefits, protection for your family (March 12, 2026: 71.5% to 100%, apply by calling, no online application, divorced spouse rules)
- SSA: Do you qualify for Social Security spouse's benefits? (July 11, 2024: a surviving spouse benefit is based on the higher amount including delayed retirement credits)
General information based on the sources above, not tax, legal or financial advice.