Key facts
- Widows can claim survivor benefits as early as age 60, but this results in a reduced amount.
- Claiming survivor benefits at full retirement age (66-67) can yield 100% of the deceased spouse's benefit.
- It is possible to switch between survivor and own retirement benefits for a higher monthly payment.
- Delayed retirement credits earned by a higher-earning spouse can increase the survivor benefit.
- Remarrying after age 60 generally allows widows to retain survivor benefits.
- Divorced spouses may qualify for survivor benefits if the marriage lasted at least 10 years.
The article details six rules that can help widows maximize their Social Security survivor benefits. It explains that claiming survivor benefits can begin as early as age 60, but doing so results in a permanently reduced amount, approximately 71.5% of the full benefit. Waiting until full retirement age, typically between 66 and 67 for those born in the late 1950s and early 1960s, allows for up to 100% of the deceased spouse's benefit. The article also highlights the strategy of switching between survivor and own retirement benefits to achieve a higher monthly payment, and notes that delayed retirement credits earned by a spouse can increase the survivor benefit inherited. Furthermore, it clarifies that remarriage after age 60 generally does not affect eligibility for survivor benefits, and divorced spouses may also qualify if the marriage lasted at least 10 years. The importance of understanding these rules before claiming is emphasized to ensure long-term financial security.