A surviving spouse (or ex-spouse) may choose to receive Social Security retirement benefits based on their own work record or that of their deceased spouse. The surviving spouse cannot receive two benefit amounts at the same time. They will receive either a survivor benefit or their own benefit.

A surviving spouse can start one type of benefit, allow the other to grow, then switch to the higher benefit later.

While someone is alive their benefits can earn delayed retirement credits up to age 70. Thus, delaying Social Security can result in a greater amount to a surviving spouse. However, once a spouse dies, the survivor benefit does not continue to accrue delayed credits.

Surviving Spouse Benefit Considerations

Must have 9 months of marriage prior to the deceased spouse’s death.
May receive a reduced survivor’s benefit as early as age 60.
If a surviving spouse has a disability, benefits can begin as early as age 50 if disabled AND the disability started before or within seven years of the worker’s death.
May be able to get benefits at any age if taking care of an eligible child who is younger than age 16 or who has a disability.

Retirement Benefit Amount Considerations

If the deceased spouse dies while receiving retirement benefits, the surviving spouse can receive the amount the deceased spouse was receiving.
Widower(s) limit: If the deceased spouse started an early reduced benefit, the surviving spouse can receive whichever is higher – the deceased person’s retirement benefit or 82.5% of the deceased’s full retirement age benefit.
If the deceased spouse dies before full retirement age and was not receiving benefits, the surviving spouse is eligible for the amount the deceased spouse would have received at full retirement age.
If the deceased spouse dies after full retirement age and was delaying Social Security retirement benefits to earn delayed retirement credits, the benefit is based on the amount they would have received on the date of their death.

Earnings Limit if Starting Benefits Before Full Retirement Age

Survivor benefits are subject to Social Security earnings test limits if started prior to full retirement age. If you work while getting Social Security and a spousal survivor benefit and are younger than full retirement age, your benefit amount will be reduced if your earnings exceed certain limits:

If you are under full retirement age for the entire year, they deduct $1 from your benefit payments for every $2 you earn above the annual limit. For 2026, that limit is $24,480.
In the year you reach full retirement age, they deduct $1 in benefits for every $3 you earn above a different limit. In 2026, the limit on your earnings is $65,160 but they only count earnings before the month you reach your full retirement age.
There’s no earnings limit beginning with the month you reach full retirement age.

Special Earnings Limit Rule: If your earnings are over the limit for the year but you will be retired for part of the year, Social Security has a special rule that applies to earnings for that year. The special rule allows you to receive a full Social Security check for any whole month you are considered retired, regardless of your yearly earnings, if you do not exceed the monthly limit. Find out more on the Social Security web site https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/retirement/planner/rule.html

Remarriage Considerations

Remarriage before age 60 usually ends eligibility for survivor benefits. However, remarriage after age 60 (or age 50 if you’re disabled) won’t prevent you from getting benefit payments based on your former spouse’s work. And at age 62 or older, you can get benefits on your new spouse’s work, if those benefits are higher.

Divorced Spouse Considerations

An ex-spouse is eligible if the marriage lasted 10 years, remains unmarried, or remarried after age 60.

A spousal survivor benefit is worth 100% of what retirement benefit ex-spouse would have received on the day of their death. That applies even if the ex-spouse had not started collecting benefits. Benefits paid to the ex- spouse won’t affect the benefit amounts for other survivors getting benefits on the worker’s record.

Before You Decide, Talk to Qualified Professionals

Social Security survivor benefit rules can be complex, and individual circumstances vary—so it’s important to confirm details with the Social Security Administration and consult an experienced financial planner before making decisions.

Sources:

“How to maximize Social Security survivor benefits for couples,” https://www.troweprice.com/content/dam/trp-ecl/global/en/ipc/assets/trpis-trpa/2025/q2/how-to-maximize-social-security-survivor-benefits-for-couples/how-to-maximize-social-security-survivor-benefits-for-couples.pdf

“Special rules for widows and widowers” https://investor.vanguard.com/investor-resources-education/social-security/survivors-benefits

“Who can get Survivor benefits” https://www.ssa.gov/survivor/eligibility

“Survivors Benefits: You May Be Eligible To Apply” https://www.ssa.gov/marketing/assets/materials/EN-05-10402.pdf

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Retirement Planning

Publications

Retirement Need Analysis: How Much of My Current Income Will I Need for Retirement?

Social Security: Spousal Survivor Benefits

Income, Not Age: Federal Tax Filing Requirements

Demystifying Federal Income Taxation of Social Security Retirement Benefits