{"id":1054,"date":"2021-03-16T01:18:00","date_gmt":"2021-03-16T01:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog-2023\/?p=1054"},"modified":"2023-09-15T04:47:47","modified_gmt":"2023-09-15T04:47:47","slug":"ss-benefits-if-my-spouse-dies","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/ss-benefits-if-my-spouse-dies\/","title":{"rendered":"If My Spouse Dies, Do I Get His Social Security and Mine?"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"1054\" class=\"elementor elementor-1054\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-e608dc2 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"e608dc2\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-4d01c18\" data-id=\"4d01c18\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-2cc7030 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"2cc7030\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.13.3 - 28-05-2023 *\/\n.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-stacked .elementor-drop-cap{background-color:#69727d;color:#fff}.elementor-widget-text-editor.elementor-drop-cap-view-framed .elementor-drop-cap{color:#69727d;border:3px solid;background-color:transparent}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap{margin-top:8px}.elementor-widget-text-editor:not(.elementor-drop-cap-view-default) .elementor-drop-cap-letter{width:1em;height:1em}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap{float:left;text-align:center;line-height:1;font-size:50px}.elementor-widget-text-editor .elementor-drop-cap-letter{display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t<p>Social Security is already confusing. Navigating\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/social-security-retirement-benefits\/\">Social Security<\/a>\u00a0widows benefits after the death of a loved one can feel even more complicated. But you don\u2019t have to navigate your finances and benefits alone. We break down everything you need to know about survivors benefits. Understanding how the Social Security Administration distributes benefits\u00a0to families after the loss of a worker can help reduce the financial stresses of that loss, so you can focus on what matters.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-e9c5e6c elementor-widget elementor-widget-template\" data-id=\"e9c5e6c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"template.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-template\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"section\" data-elementor-id=\"196\" class=\"elementor elementor-196\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-339b45e0 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"339b45e0\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3f771e94\" data-id=\"3f771e94\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-44435407 elementor-cta--skin-classic elementor-animated-content elementor-bg-transform elementor-bg-transform-zoom-in elementor-widget elementor-widget-call-to-action\" data-id=\"44435407\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"call-to-action.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<link rel=\"stylesheet\" href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/elementor\/css\/custom-pro-widget-call-to-action.min.css?ver=1764022918\">\t\t<a class=\"elementor-cta\" href=\"https:\/\/simplywise.app.link\/Iv0wVANrvfb\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-content-item elementor-cta__content-item elementor-icon-wrapper elementor-cta__icon elementor-view-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"far fa-lightbulb\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-cta__title elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">DID YOU KNOW?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__description elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tRetirement is 99% easier when your paperwork is organized. \n\nJoin 250,000+ Americans securely storing their important receipts, bills &amp; documents with the SimplyWise app.\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__button-wrapper elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item \">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-cta__button elementor-button elementor-size-md\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tGet the App\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c7c7b03 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"c7c7b03\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h2>What are survivor benefits?<\/h2><p>While many people associate Social Security benefits with payouts to retired workers, the Social Security Administration in fact distributes several different kinds of beneifts. These include both benefits for the families of a deceased worker, as well as benefits for people who are disabled and so unable to work.<\/p><p>Social Security survivor benefits (often referred to as \u201cwidows benefits\u201d) provide an important source of income for family members whose workers have passed away. As long as the deceased worker would have been eligible to collect Social Security benefits upon their retirement, their family members will be able to collect them in their stead.<\/p><h2><strong>Who is eligible for survivor benefits from Social Security?<\/strong><\/h2><p>Survivor benefits are not limited to the surviving spouse. The following people can receive survivor benefits:<\/p><ul><li>A widow or widower age 60 or older (age 50 or older if disabled) who was\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ssa.gov\/OP_Home\/cfr20\/404\/404-0335.htm\">married to the deceased for at least nine months<\/a>\u00a0and did not remarry before age 60<\/li><li>A surviving divorced spouse who was married to the deceased for at least 10 years (and meets\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/social-security-benefits-for-divorced-spouses\/\"><strong>the following other conditions<\/strong><\/a>)<\/li><li>A widow or widower of any age caring for the deceased\u2019s child who is under 16 or disabled and receiving benefits on their record<\/li><li>An unmarried child of the deceased who is: younger than age 18 (or up to 19 if a full-time student in elementary or secondary school) or age 18 or older with a disability that began before 22<\/li><li>Parents of the deceased worker who are 1) at least 62; 2) were dependent on the deceased for at least half of their income, and 3) whose own Social Security benefit is not larger than that of their deceased child<\/li><\/ul><div>\u00a0<\/div><div>\u00a0<\/div><div><h2><strong>How are Social Security survivor benefits calculated?<\/strong><\/h2><p>When a worker pays into the Social Security system over the course of their life, they accumulate credits. A worker can receive up to four credits a year. For example, in 2020, workers will receive one credit for every $1,410 they earn. When your spouse has earned $5,640, they have earned their four credits for the year.<\/p><p>In order to claim retirement, a worker needs 40 credits. However, the number of credits required to provide survivor benefits for the worker\u2019s family depends on the worker\u2019s age when they die. This means that the younger a person is when they pass away, the fewer credits they will need for their family members receive survivor benefits.<\/p><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-inner-section elementor-element elementor-element-cc61706 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"cc61706\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-266833a\" data-id=\"266833a\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-bc8ae4e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"bc8ae4e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>When someone retires, or when they die, the amount of their benefit is calculated based on their earnings over their lifetime. This is the amount that survivors will receive all or part of. To calculate their benefit, Social Security adds up the worker\u2019s income during the years they made the most money. They then index that total against average wages across the country during those years. This results in the worker\u2019s\u00a0\u201cAverage Indexed Monthly Earnings\u201d (AIME). The Social Security Administration only includes the portion of a worker\u2019s income up to the maximum taxable earnings limit. This is the amount that is\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/taxes-and-social-security\/\"><strong>taxed for Social Security<\/strong><\/a>\u2014in 2020, that\u2019s $137,700. If your spouse earned more than that, the higher earnings will not be included in the calculation because these monies were not taxed by Social Security.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-50 elementor-inner-column elementor-element elementor-element-a2f0078\" data-id=\"a2f0078\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-de98dac elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"de98dac\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<style>\/*! elementor - v3.13.3 - 28-05-2023 *\/\n.elementor-widget-image{text-align:center}.elementor-widget-image a{display:inline-block}.elementor-widget-image a img[src$=\".svg\"]{width:48px}.elementor-widget-image img{vertical-align:middle;display:inline-block}<\/style>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"565\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-8.20.50-PM.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1057\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-8.20.50-PM.png 681w, https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Screen-Shot-2023-06-20-at-8.20.50-PM-300x265.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-28f0fe8 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"28f0fe8\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>Social Security then applies a formula to that monthly amount to determine how much your spouse would have received at full retirement. In 2020, that formula is:<\/p><ul><li>90% of the first $960 of your AIME;<\/li><li>plus 32% of any amount over $960 up to $5,785;<\/li><li>plus 15% of any amount over $5,785.<\/li><\/ul><div>\u00a0<\/div><p>The resulting number is the worker\u2019s primary insurance amount (PIA). This is the amount they would have received if they applied for retirement benefits when they reached their\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/what-is-full-retirement-age-for-social-security\/\"><strong>full retirement age<\/strong><\/a>\u2014not before or after.<\/p><h2><strong>How much will you receive in survivor benefits?<\/strong><\/h2><p>After the passing of the worker, Social Security pays a\u00a0<em>one-time<\/em>\u00a0death benefit of $255 which can be collected by the widow or child.<\/p><p>Then there is the (ongoing) monthly Social Security survivor benefit. That benefit is based on the Social Security benefit the worker was receiving (or would have received).<\/p><p>The benefit can be up to 100% of what your spouse would have received at full retirement. If the benefit you would receive as a survivor is higher than the benefit you receive on your own, Social Security will pay you the higher of the two amounts,<strong>\u00a0not the two combined<\/strong>. However, survivor benefits, unlike\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/guide-to-social-security-spousal-benefits\/\"><strong>spousal benefits<\/strong><\/a>, don\u2019t have to be claimed at the same time as your\u00a0<em>own<\/em>\u00a0retirement benefits. You can, in many cases, receive one benefit for a time and then file for the other one later. This is a common strategy for widows to take to maximize their benefits.<\/p><h3><strong>Reductions to benefits<\/strong><\/h3><p>The earliest a widow or widower can apply for survivor benefits is age 60. (Note that if the widow is disabled, and began receiving disability payments before, or within, seven years of the worker\u2019s death, they may apply at age 50. Social Security uses the same definition of disability for survivors as it does for workers.)<\/p><p>Widows can claim benefits at any time between 60 and their survivor full retirement age. However, if a widow files for benefits before they have reached their survivor full retirement age (FRA), those benefits will be reduced a fraction of a percent for each month claimed \u201cearly\u201d. (Calculate your survivor FRA using the table below. Note that your survivor full retirement age is different from your own full retirement age<em>.<\/em>)<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-c4f718c elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"c4f718c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"640\" height=\"659\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Survivor-FRA-table-995x1024.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1058\" alt=\"survivor benefits FRA\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Survivor-FRA-table-995x1024.png 995w, https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Survivor-FRA-table-292x300.png 292w, https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Survivor-FRA-table-768x790.png 768w, https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Survivor-FRA-table.png 1466w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-6d79f4e elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"6d79f4e\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p>The Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) is the number Social Security uses to determine survivor benefits. If you apply before your survivor full retirement age, you will receive between 71.5% and 99% of your spouse\u2019s benefit (PIA). A disabled widow or widower aged 50 to 59 would receive 71.5% of their spouse\u2019s benefit. The percentage scales up for each month that you wait until your survivor full retirement age. However, if you wait to claim survivor benefits until survivor full retirement age, you are eligible for 100%.<\/p><h3><strong>How much can you earn and still collect survivor benefits?<\/strong><\/h3><p>If you\u2019ve reached\u00a0Full Retirement Age, you can earn any amount of money without impacting your Social Security benefit.<\/p><p>But if you are earning money and taking Social Security benefits\u00a0<em>before<\/em>\u00a0Full Retirement Age, your benefits will be reduced. In 2020,<strong>\u00a0<\/strong>that amount is $18,240. For every $2 you earn over that amount, Social Security will reduce your benefit by $1 (though that amount will be\u00a0replaced when you reach full retirement). So, if you take survivors benefits at age 60, but earn $50,000 a year, you will have earned $32,000 over the limit. Social Security would reduce your benefit by $16,000. If your benefit is below $16,000 a year, you will not receive benefits.<\/p><h3><strong>Survivors benefits if you have children<\/strong><\/h3><p>If your spouse dies and you have children with them under the age of 16, then (regardless of your own age), you can receive up to 75% of your spouse\u2019s benefit. Similarly, if your spouse has children under 16 by a previous marriage, that spouse may receive up to 75% of your spouse\u2019s benefit. Also, each child, up to the age of 18, or 19 if still in secondary school or disabled\u2014may also receive up to 75%.<\/p><p>The maximum a family can receive is up to 180% of the worker\u2019s PIA. If ex-spouses receive benefits, it does not in any way impact the amount a current spouse will receive (and vice versa). However, if you qualify because you have the worker\u2019s child in your care,\u00a0your benefit will affect the amount of the benefits of others on the worker\u2019s record.<\/p><p>If a spouse or former spouse is not caring for the children of the deceased worker, they may still apply for benefits on their own, if they are at least 60 (or 50 if disabled).<\/p><h3><strong>Survivors benefits if you are divorced<\/strong><\/h3><p>An ex-spouse is eligible to receive the same benefits as a current spouse if they were married to the deceased worker for at least 10 years and are not currently married. However, if the living ex-spouse remarries before age 60, they forfeit their right to their deceased former spouse\u2019s Social Security\u2014unless that subsequent marriage ended in death, divorce, or annulment. If the living ex-spouse remarries after age 60, this rule doesn\u2019t apply.<\/p><p>How much a spouse or former spouse receives depends on several factors including when they file for benefits and whether they are still working and earning money.<\/p><h2><strong>Maximizing your benefit<\/strong><\/h2><p>Many people ask \u201ccan I collect my deceased spouse\u2019s social security and my own at the same time?\u201d In fact, you cannot simply add together\u00a0<em>both<\/em>\u00a0a survivor benefit and your own retirement benefit. Instead, Social Security will pay the higher of the two amounts. While it can seem unfair to not be able to claim both full benefits, there are\u00a0claiming strategies you can use to maximize the total Social Security benefits you receive. This includes switching from one benefit to the other. See an example from one of our users directly below.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-80f63f9 elementor-widget elementor-widget-image\" data-id=\"80f63f9\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"628\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/lynn2-628x1024.png\" class=\"attachment-large size-large wp-image-1059\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/lynn2-628x1024.png 628w, https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/lynn2-184x300.png 184w, https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/lynn2-768x1253.png 768w, https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/lynn2.png 846w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 628px) 100vw, 628px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-1ad0e57 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"1ad0e57\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div><p>Making the right decision on how to maximize your own benefits depends on how much your own retirement benefit vs. survivor benefit would be, and how long you think you will be living and needing the money. It also depends on whether you\u2019re working. Below we outline a few additional scenarios, and different strategies and considerations for each.<\/p><ul><li><strong>If your retirement benefit is less than the one you would receive as a survivor\u2026<\/strong>\u00a0you can apply to receive the higher amount even if you are receiving retirement benefit payments.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><ul><li><strong>If you are over 60 and remarried, and your current spouse is a Social Security beneficiary\u2026<\/strong>\u00a0you may apply for spousal benefits on your current spouse\u2019s record or opt to take your former spouse\u2019s survivor benefits. Depending on whichever is higher (your own and either your spousal benefits\u00a0<em>or<\/em>\u00a0your survivor benefits), you can decide to claim a combination of benefits equal to the higher amount.<\/li><li><strong>If you are already receiving your\u00a0<u>own retirement benefits<\/u>\u00a0when your spouse dies\u2026<\/strong>\u00a0then the optimal strategy depends on how long you have been receiving your own benefits. If you have been receiving your retirement benefit for\u00a0<em>less than<\/em>\u00a012 months when your spouse dies, you could<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ssa.gov\/planners\/retire\/withdrawal.html\">withdraw your retirement application<\/a>\u00a0and only take your survivors benefit now (and later switch back to your own benefit). If you have been receiving your retirement benefit for\u00a0<em>more than<\/em>\u00a012 months when your spouse dies, you can only apply for survivors benefits if the benefit of your spouse\u2019s account is more than the benefit you receive on your own.<\/li><li><strong>If you are already receiving\u00a0<u>spousal benefits<\/u>\u00a0when your spouse dies\u2026<\/strong>\u00a0Social Security will convert your benefit to survivors benefits, which are up to 100% of your late spouse\u2019s full retirement benefit (compared to 50% for spousal benefits).<\/li><\/ul><div>\u00a0<\/div><h2><strong>How to apply for survivor benefits<\/strong><\/h2><p>A widow, widower, or surviving divorced spouse cannot apply online for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/guide-to-social-security-and-death\/\"><strong>survivors benefits<\/strong><\/a>. You must call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.)\u00a0Alternatively, you can go in person to your local Social Security\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/social-security-office\/states\">field office<\/a>.<\/p><p>To apply for Social Security survivor benefits, you must have the following documents:<\/p><ul><li>Proof of death (either from a funeral home or a death certificate\u2014note that it must be a certified copy)<\/li><li>Both your own Social Security number and that of the deceased worker<\/li><li>Your birth certificate<\/li><li>Your marriage certificate (if you are a widow or widower)<\/li><li>Your divorce certificate (again, if you are a widow or widower\u2014and note that it must be a certified copy)<\/li><li>Dependent children\u2019s Social Security numbers, if available, and birth certificates<\/li><li>Deceased worker\u2019s W-2 forms or federal self-employment tax return for the most recent year<\/li><\/ul><div>\u00a0<\/div><div>Applying and ensuring you claim the right benefit at the right time for your personal finances can be confusing. When you\u2019re ready to apply, we recommend\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/social-security-widows-benefits-checklist\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><u><b>using a checklist<\/b><\/u><\/a>\u00a0to ensure you take the right steps and have the right documentation.<\/div><div>\u00a0<\/div><h2><strong>The bottom line<\/strong><\/h2><p>Many Americans depend on Social Security as a critical source of income, particularly in retirement. This is especially true for people who have lost a spouse. Yet if you do not know the facts around Social Security benefits, it\u2019s easy to lose money depending on when you claim. But while Social Security can feel complicated, you are not alone. Our team of experts is here to help. When you\u2019re ready, we recommend using a\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/\">Social Security calculator that accounts for survivor benefits<\/a>. With a comprehensive understanding of what you are owed and how Social Security works, you can navigate the next chapter of your life with the confidence and financial security you deserve.<\/p><h2><strong>Other Social Security articles of interest<\/strong><\/h2><ul><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/guide-to-social-security-and-death\/\"><u>Guide to Social Security and Death<\/u><\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.simplywise.com\/blog\/social-security-widows-benefits-checklist\/\"><u>Social Security Widows Benefits Checklist<\/u><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-239e67c elementor-widget elementor-widget-template\" data-id=\"239e67c\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"template.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-template\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"section\" data-elementor-id=\"196\" class=\"elementor elementor-196\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-339b45e0 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"339b45e0\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3f771e94\" data-id=\"3f771e94\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-44435407 elementor-cta--skin-classic elementor-animated-content elementor-bg-transform elementor-bg-transform-zoom-in elementor-widget elementor-widget-call-to-action\" data-id=\"44435407\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"call-to-action.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a class=\"elementor-cta\" href=\"https:\/\/simplywise.app.link\/Iv0wVANrvfb\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-content-item elementor-cta__content-item elementor-icon-wrapper elementor-cta__icon elementor-view-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-icon\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<i aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"far fa-lightbulb\"><\/i>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"elementor-cta__title elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">DID YOU KNOW?<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__description elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tRetirement is 99% easier when your paperwork is organized. \n\nJoin 250,000+ Americans securely storing their important receipts, bills &amp; documents with the SimplyWise app.\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-cta__button-wrapper elementor-cta__content-item elementor-content-item \">\n\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-cta__button elementor-button elementor-size-md\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tGet the App\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Social Security is already confusing. Navigating&nbsp;Social Security&nbsp;widows benefits after the death of a loved one can feel even more complicated. But you don\u2019t have to navigate your finances and benefits alone. We break down everything you need to know about survivors benefits. Understanding how the Social Security Administration distributes benefits&nbsp;to families after the loss of [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":1055,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"inline_featured_image":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1054","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v21.2 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>If My Spouse Dies, Do I Get His Social Security and Mine? - SimplyWise Cost Estimator<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"It&#039;s never easy to lose a loved one, but knowing the survivor benefits you are owed can at least help mitigate the financial pain. 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