Social Security Survivor Benefits: Complete Guide for Widows (2026)

Who is Eligible for Survivor Benefits?

You may qualify for Social Security survivor benefits if your deceased spouse worked and paid Social Security taxes. As of 2026, more than 3.8 million widows and widowers receive these benefits.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

You can receive benefits if you are:

• Age 60 or older (age 50 or older if you have a disability that started before or within 7 years of your spouse's death)
• Any age if you're caring for the deceased's child who is under age 16 or has a disability and receiving benefits
• Married to the deceased for at least 9 months (exceptions exist for accidental deaths or if you had a child together)

How Much Can You Receive?

The amount of your survivor benefit depends on your age when you start receiving benefits and your deceased spouse's earnings record.

Benefit Percentages by Age

The One-Time Death Payment

A one-time lump-sum death payment of $255 is payable if you were living with your spouse at the time of death, or if you weren't living together but were receiving certain Social Security benefits on the deceased's record.

Working While Receiving Benefits

If you're younger than Full Retirement Age and continue working while receiving benefits:

• 2026 Earnings Limit: $22,320 per year (benefits reduced $1 for every $2 earned above this)
• In the year you reach Full Retirement Age: $59,520 per year limit applies until the month you reach FRA
• After Full Retirement Age: No earnings limit

When Should You Apply?

Apply as soon as possible after your spouse's death. Unlike retirement benefits, which can be paid retroactively for up to 6 months, survivor benefits have specific timing rules.

Key Timing Considerations

Strategic Tip: If you're eligible for both retirement benefits on your own work record and survivor benefits, you can choose to take one benefit first (potentially at a reduced rate) and then switch to the other benefit later at full value. This is called a "restricted application" strategy.

Example Strategy:

1. If your own retirement benefit would be higher than your survivor benefit, consider taking the survivor benefit early (as early as age 60)
2. Then switch to your own retirement benefit at age 70 when it reaches maximum value
3. Consult a Social Security representative to determine the best strategy for your situation

How to Apply for Survivor Benefits

Step 1: Report the Death

If the funeral home doesn't report it, you must contact Social Security to report your spouse's death. This prevents overpayments and potential complications.

Step 2: Gather Required Documents

Before applying, collect these documents:

• Proof of death (either from funeral home or death certificate)
• Your Social Security number and your deceased spouse's Social Security number
• Your birth certificate
• Your marriage certificate
• Your spouse's W-2 forms or self-employment tax return for the most recent year
• If claiming based on disability: Proof of disability
• Dependent children's Social Security numbers and birth certificates
• Your bank account information for direct deposit

Step 3: Apply

You cannot apply for survivor benefits online. You must:

• Call: 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778)
• Visit: Your local Social Security office (find an office near you)

Step 4: Complete the Application

You'll need to complete Form SSA-10 (Application for Widow's or Widower's Benefits). The representative will help you through this process.

Step 5: Wait for Decision

Processing typically takes 30-60 days. If approved, benefits usually begin the month after you apply, but may be retroactive depending on your situation.

What If You Remarry?

The impact of remarriage depends on your age:

• Before age 60 (or age 50 if disabled): You cannot receive survivor benefits while you're married
• At age 60 or older (or age 50 if disabled): Your remarriage will not affect your eligibility for survivor benefits
• If your new marriage ends: You can reapply for survivor benefits based on your first spouse's record

Common Questions

Can I receive both my retirement benefits and survivor benefits?

No, you cannot receive both in full. Social Security will pay the higher of the two amounts. However, you can use strategic claiming to maximize lifetime benefits by taking one early and switching to the other later.

Do survivor benefits count as income for taxes?

Yes, survivor benefits are subject to federal income tax using the same rules as retirement benefits. Up to 85% of your benefits may be taxable depending on your total income.

What if my spouse was self-employed?

Self-employed individuals pay Social Security taxes through their tax returns. As long as your spouse paid into the system, you're eligible for survivor benefits.

Can children receive benefits?

Yes, unmarried children can receive survivor benefits if they are:

• Under age 18 (or up to age 19 if still in high school full-time)
• Age 18 or older and have a disability that began before age 22

Each child can receive up to 75% of the deceased parent's benefit, subject to the family maximum.

What if I'm also receiving a pension from work not covered by Social Security?

Your survivor benefits may be reduced by the Government Pension Offset (GPO) if you receive a pension from federal, state, or local government employment where you didn't pay Social Security taxes.

Estimate Your Survivor Benefits

Use our calculator to get a rough estimate of your potential survivor benefits. For an accurate calculation, contact the Social Security Administration.

Use Benefits Calculator