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Can I collect my deceased spouse’s social security and my own at the same time?
In this article, you’ll learn about:
Let’s dig in.
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No, you cannot collect your deceased spouse’s Social Security and your own at the same time.
You can choose the higher of the two benefits, either:
To find the best option for your situation:
To determine whether collecting your own or your deceased spouse’s Social Security is better, consider the following factors:
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Social Security survivor benefits provide financial support to family members of a deceased worker who paid into the Social Security system.
Eligible recipients include:
The benefit amount depends on:
Surviving spouses can choose between:
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Surviving spouses may receive survivor benefits based on their deceased spouse’s:
At full retirement age, they can receive 100% of the deceased spouse’s benefit.
If claimed earlier, the benefit may be reduced.
They can choose between their own retirement benefit or the survivor benefit.
And they can select the higher amount.
Factors that impact eligibility and amounts are:
Contact the Social Security Administration for personalized guidance.
The reduction in survivor benefits is tied to the surviving spouse claiming benefits before their full retirement age.
(Not the deceased spouse’s age.)
The deceased spouse’s benefit at their full retirement age is used as a reference.
The reduction depends on the surviving spouse’s age when claiming benefits.
For example: Let’s say that the:
(We are assuming the surviving spouse’s full retirement age is 67.)
They would receive about 71.5% of the deceased spouse’s benefit (around $715 per month).
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To apply for survivor’s benefits, follow these steps:
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You can apply for Social Security survivor benefits when your spouse dies.
If eligible, you may receive benefits as early as age 60, or age 50 if you are disabled.
Benefits may be reduced if claimed before your full retirement age.
If you have dependent children under 16, you may receive benefits at any age.
Let’s say you have dependent children under 16.
You may receive Social Security survivor benefits as a “surviving parent” regardless of your age.
Divorced spouses can also be eligible for survivor benefits under certain conditions.
The benefit amount depends on factors like:
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Social Security benefits for surviving parents with dependent children provide financial support for the children.
These benefits don’t affect your retirement benefits.
When the youngest child turns 16, surviving parent social security benefits stop.
But you can later claim your own retirement or survivor benefits based on your deceased spouse’s record when eligible.
Upon reaching eligibility for your retirement benefits, you can choose between:
You’d typically select the higher social security benefits available.
Claiming your retirement benefits before the full retirement age may result in reduced benefits.
Remember, you cannot collect both your retirement and survivor benefits at the same time.
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Eligibility for Social Security survivor benefits includes:
Here are other questions our clients as us about collecting their deceased spouse’s social security and my own at the same time.
A widow can collect her husband’s Social Security as survivor benefits.
She may be eligible as early as age 60 or age 50 if she is disabled.
Benefits may be reduced if claimed before her full retirement age.
If she has dependent children under 16, she can receive benefits at any age.
A widow can choose between her own retirement benefit or her husband’s survivor benefit.
Factors like age, work history, remarriage, and dependent children can affect eligibility and benefit amounts.
A spouse can receive Social Security survivor benefits:
If the surviving spouse claims benefits before their full retirement age, the benefits may be reduced.
For surviving parents with dependent children under 16, the benefits continue until the youngest child turns 16.
Yes, you can collect your deceased husband’s Social Security survivor benefits and still work.
However, let’s say you are below your full retirement age and earn over the annual income limit.
Your benefits may be temporarily reduced.
Once you reach your full retirement age, there is no limit on earnings.
And your benefits will no longer be reduced based on your income.
Keep in mind that claiming survivor benefits early may result in permanently reduced benefits.
Let’s say your husband dies.
You may be eligible for Social Security survivor benefits based on his:
At full retirement age, you can receive 100% of his benefit.
If you claim benefits before your full retirement age, they may be reduced.
You can choose between your own retirement benefit or the survivor benefit.
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