Social Security survivor benefits provide financial support to eligible family members of a deceased worker, based on their relationship, age, and the deceased's work record.
These benefits are paid to surviving spouses, former spouses, children, and dependent parents. To qualify, the deceased must have worked long enough under Social Security to earn a certain number of credits. The amount a survivor receives depends on the deceased's average lifetime earnings and the survivor's own age and circumstances. For example, a widow or widower can typically start receiving benefits at age 60, or age 50 if disabled, but payments are reduced if claimed before full retirement age.
Eligibility and payment amounts are determined by the Social Security Administration based on specific rules and individual circumstances.
Can a surviving spouse receive both their own retirement benefit and survivor benefits?
Yes, a surviving spouse can receive both their own Social Security retirement benefit and survivor benefits, but not simultaneously from the same earnings record. If a surviving spouse is eligible for their own retirement benefit based on their own work record and also eligible for survivor benefits based on their deceased spouse's record, they will receive the higher of the two amounts. They cannot combine the two amounts to get a larger total benefit. The Social Security Administration will pay them the larger benefit. They must still meet the age and relationship requirements for survivor benefits.