All About Social Security Widow’s Benefits
Social Security Widow's Benefits are a type of financial assistance provided to widows and widowers of workers who have paid into the Social Security system. If you are a widow or widower, you may be eligible to receive benefits based on your deceased spouse's work history.
Widow's benefits are available to widows and widowers who are at least 60 years old (50 if disabled) and were married to the deceased spouse for at least 9 months. These benefits are based on the deceased spouse's work history. The amount of widow's benefits you receive will depend on your deceased spouse's earnings and the age at which you start receiving benefits.
The following are some examples of the benefits a widow could expect to receive:
- Widow or widower, full retirement age or older — 100% of the deceased worker's benefit amount.
- Widow or widower, age 60 — full retirement age — 71½ to 99% of the deceased worker's basic amount.
- Widow or widower with a disability aged 50 through 59 — 71½%.
- Widow or widower, any age, caring for a child under age 16 — 75%.
What if I remarry?
If you remarry before age 60 (50 if disabled), you will generally not be eligible for widow's benefits. However, if you remarry after age 60 (50 if disabled), you can continue to receive widow's benefits based on the deceased worker's earnings record as long as you were married for 10 years.
It's also worth noting that if you are eligible for both your own Social Security benefits and widow's benefits, you will receive the larger of the two amounts.
To apply for Social Security Widow's Benefits, you will need to provide proof of your marriage, your spouse's death certificate, and your spouse's Social Security number. You can apply for benefits online, by phone, or in person at your local Social Security office.
Losing a spouse is a difficult and emotional experience, and the financial strain can make things even more challenging. Fortunately, the Social Security Administration offers widow's benefits to help surviving spouses maintain their standard of living after the loss of their spouse's income. To be eligible for these benefits, you must meet certain age and relationship requirements, and you can apply online, by phone, or in person at a local Social Security office. Be sure to gather the necessary documentation and apply for benefits as soon as possible to ensure you receive the support you need.
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Jeremy Raffer, MBA
Director, Partner & Wealth Manager
m. 201-773-4641
e. jeremy.raffer@stewardpartners.com
Steward Partners Global Advisory, LLC
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115 W. Century Rd, Suite 145
Paramus, NJ 07652
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Steward Partners Investment Solutions, LLC (“Steward Partners”), its affiliates and Steward Partners Wealth Managers do not provide tax or legal advice. You should consult with your tax advisor for matters involving taxation and tax planning and your attorney for matters involving trust and estate planning and other legal matters.
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