Can I receive Social Security benefits as a widow after my husband's death?

Full question:

My Husband passed away in December 1908. I understand that I would be capable of drawing from the Social Security amount that he had paid in. I was working then and didn't think I needed it, but I am now no longer working at 78 and need funds so that I may be able to help me with my expenses. I do not have enough money to live on now. I am living on my Soc Sec at $1071 dollars a month.

• Category: Social Security
• Date: 04/07/2025
• State: Florida

Answer:

A widow or widower may receive full Social Security benefits at their full retirement age. For survivors, this age is 66 for those born between 1945 and 1956, gradually increasing to age 67 for those born in 1962 or later. Reduced benefits can start as early as age 60, or at age 50 if the surviving spouse is disabled.

If you are not currently receiving Social Security benefits, apply for survivor benefits promptly. In some cases, benefits may be paid from the date you apply, not from when the worker died. You can apply by phone or at any Social Security office. While you may not have all documents immediately, do not delay your application. The Social Security Office will assist you in gathering necessary information.

Documents needed include:

• Proof of death (death certificate or funeral home documentation)
• Your Social Security number and the deceased worker’s number
• Your birth certificate
• Your marriage certificate, if applicable
• Divorce papers, if applying as a divorced widow or widower
• Dependent children’s Social Security numbers and birth certificates, if available
• Deceased worker’s W-2 forms or federal self-employment tax return for the last year
• Your bank name and account number for direct deposit

If you are already receiving Social Security benefits based on your spouse’s work, report their death to the Social Security Office. They will adjust your payments to survivor benefits. If you receive benefits based on your own work, contact the Social Security Office to see if you qualify for a higher amount as a widow or widower. You will need to complete an application to switch to survivor benefits and provide your spouse’s death certificate.

The benefit amount you receive is based on the deceased worker's earnings. Generally, a widow or widower at full retirement age receives one hundred percent of the worker’s basic benefit amount. A widow or widower aged sixty or older, but under full retirement age, receives about seventy-one to ninety-nine percent of the worker’s benefit. If you have a child under age sixteen, you may receive seventy-five percent of the worker’s benefit.