What Is The Difference Between Survivor Benefits And Widow Benefits?

What is the difference between survivor benefits and widow benefits?

In this article, you’ll learn about:

what the difference between them is
eligibility for both of them
how much money you’ll get for benefits
how to apply for the benefits
when can you start collecting those benefits
can you collect them and still work
can you collect their benefits and yours

Keep scrolling to learn more.

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What Is The Difference Between Survivor Benefits And Widow Benefits?

Survivor benefits are payments from Social Security to the dependents of a deceased person.

These dependents can include spouses, children, and sometimes parents.

Widow benefits are a type of survivor benefit specifically for the deceased person’s surviving spouse.

In short, while all widow benefits are survivor benefits, not all survivor benefits are widow benefits.

Eligibility For Survivor’s Benefits vs Widow Benefits

For eligibility, let’s look at the difference between survivor benefits and widow benefits.

Survivor Benefits Eligibility

Here’s a summary of eligibility for survivor benefits:

Eligibility Criteria: Spouses, dependent children, and sometimes parents of the deceased are eligible.
Benefit Amount: The amount varies but is based on the deceased’s earnings and the survivor’s relationship to the deceased.
Duration of Benefits: It varies: spouses may get benefits for life or until remarriage, children typically until age 18 (or 19 if still in school), and disabled children for longer durations.
Application Process: Apply through the Social Security Administration either online or at a local office.
Required Documentation: Documents like death certificates, Social Security numbers of the deceased and applicant, and marriage or birth certificates are often needed.
Timing: Benefits can begin as soon as the month after the deceased’s death.
Tax Implications: Some people may have to pay taxes on survivor benefits if they have other substantial income.
Impact on Other Benefits: Receiving survivor benefits might reduce benefits from other sources, but not always.
Work Restrictions: If a survivor works while receiving certain types of benefits, there may be limits on how much they can earn.
Age Considerations: Widows/widowers can start benefits as early as age 60, or 50 if disabled, but the amount might be reduced if started before full retirement age.
Divorced Spouses: Divorced spouses may be eligible if the marriage lasted at least 10 years.
Cost-of-Living Adjustments: Survivor benefits typically increase with inflation each year.
Reporting Changes: Survivors must report life changes like marriage, a child graduating, etc., to the SSA.
Appeal Process: If denied, survivors have the right to appeal decisions within a specified period.

Widow Benefits Eligibility

Here’s a summary of eligibility for widow’s benefits:

Eligibility Criteria: The surviving spouse of the deceased worker is eligible, including certain divorced spouses.
Benefit Amount: The benefit is based on the deceased’s earnings record, with adjustments for the widow’s age at claiming.
Duration of Benefits: Widows can receive benefits for life, but amounts may change if claimed before full retirement age or if they remarry before age 60.
Application Process: Apply through the Social Security Administration, either online or at a local office.
Required Documentation: Necessary documents include the death certificate, marriage certificate, Social Security numbers of the deceased and widow, and possibly divorce papers if applicable.
Timing: Benefits can begin as soon as the month after the spouse’s death, but timing can affect the amount.
Tax Implications: The widow’s benefits may be taxable if the widow has other substantial income.
Impact on Other Benefits: Receiving widow’s benefits can reduce certain other benefits like pensions from work not covered by Social Security.
Work Restrictions: There might be earning limits if a widow is below full retirement age.
Age Considerations: Widows can start benefits as early as age 60, or 50 if disabled. Starting benefits before full retirement age results in a reduced amount.
Divorced Spouses: Divorced spouses can claim widow’s benefits if the marriage lasted at least 10 years.
Cost-of-Living Adjustments: Widow’s benefits usually increase with inflation annually.
Reporting Changes: Widows must report changes, such as remarriage, to the SSA.
Appeal Process: If denied, widows have the right to appeal decisions within a specified timeframe.

How Much Are Widow Benefits vs Survivor Benefits?

Let’s compare the widow and survivor benefits.

How Much Is Survivor Benefits?

Survivor benefits depend on the deceased person’s earnings and the survivor’s relationship with the deceased.

Widows or widowers can receive 71.5% to 100% of the deceased’s benefit amount.

Dependent children might receive 75%.

The total a family can get usually ranges from 150% to 180% of the deceased’s benefit rate.

How Much Is Widow Benefits?

Widow benefits are based on the deceased spouse’s earnings.

The amount a widow or widower receives depends on their age and the type of benefit they qualify for.

If they start benefits at full retirement age, they receive 100% of the deceased’s benefit amount.

If they begin benefits before full retirement age, the amount is reduced.

For example, starting benefits at age 60 (or 50 if disabled) might result in about 71-99% of the deceased’s benefit.

How To Apply For Social Security Benefits

To apply for survivor or widow benefits from Social Security, follow these steps:

Gather Documents: Collect essential documents such as your birth certificate, Social Security number, tax returns, and proof of U.S. citizenship or legal residency.
Choose Application Method: You can apply online by visiting the Social Security Administration’s website, call 1-800-772-1213 to apply over the phone, or visit your local Social Security office to apply in person.
Complete the Application: Fill out the application detailing your work history, marital status, and other pertinent information.
Review & Submit: Double-check all information for accuracy and then submit your application.
Wait for Approval: The Social Security Administration will review your application and inform you of their decision.
Stay Updated: If approved, always inform Social Security of significant life changes that might impact your benefits.

Documents Needed To Apply For Social Security Retirement Benefits Online

To apply for Social Security retirement benefits online, you’ll need the following documents:

Proof of Identity: A U.S. birth certificate or passport.
Proof of Citizenship or Legal Residency: Typically, a U.S. birth certificate, U.S. passport, or appropriate immigration documents.
Work History: W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns from the last year.
Military Service: If applicable, your original or certified copy of your military discharge papers (Form DD 214).
Proof of Marriage: If you’re claiming spousal benefits, your marriage certificate.
Social Security Number: Have your SSN ready when you apply.

FAQs About The Difference Between Survivor Benefits And Widow Benefits

Here are other questions probate clients ask us about this topic.

When Can A Widow Collect Her Husband's Social Security?

A widow can collect her husband’s Social Security benefits as early as age 60, or age 50 if she is disabled.

However, if she starts collecting before her full retirement age, the benefits will be reduced.

If she’s raising children under the age of 16 or disabled children from the deceased, she can collect benefits at any age.

Can I Collect My Deceased Husband's Social Security And Still Work?

Yes, you can collect your deceased husband’s Social Security benefits and still work.

However, if you are under full retirement age, earning more than certain limits might reduce your benefits temporarily.

Once you reach full retirement age, there are no earnings limits, and your benefits won’t be reduced no matter how much you earn.

If My Ex Husband Dies Do I Get His Social Security?

Yes, if your ex-husband dies, you may be eligible to receive survivor benefits based on his Social Security record.

To qualify:

You must have been married for at least 10 years.
You must be at least 60 years old (or 50 if you’re disabled).
You shouldn’t be entitled to an equal or higher benefit on your own or another person’s Social Security record.

If you meet these criteria, you can claim survivor benefits based on your ex-husband’s earnings.

If you remarry before age 60, you might lose eligibility.

Can You Collect Your Parents' Social Security When They Die?

No, you cannot collect your parents’ Social Security when they die.

However, let’s say you were a dependent child under a certain age or have qualifying disabilities.

You might be eligible for survivor benefits based on your parent’s earning record.

Adult children generally do not receive their parents’ Social Security benefits.

Can A Grown Child Collect A Parents' Social Security?

Yes, a grown child can collect a parent’s Social Security under specific conditions.

If the child is disabled and the disability began before age 22, they can receive benefits on a parent’s record.

The parent must be deceased or receiving retirement or disability benefits for the grown child to qualify.

The child’s marital status and other income may affect eligibility.

If My Spouse Dies Do I Get His Social Security And Mine?

If your spouse dies, you can’t receive both your full Social Security benefit and your deceased spouse’s full benefit simultaneously.

Instead, you’ll generally receive whichever benefit is higher, either yours or that of your deceased spouse.

If the survivor benefit (from your spouse) is higher, you can switch to that; if your own benefit is higher, you’ll continue receiving that.

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What Is The Difference Between Survivor Benefits And Widow Benefits?

Table of Contents

The Hive Law Has Been Featured In

Get A FREE Consultation!

What Is The Difference Between Survivor Benefits And Widow Benefits?

Eligibility For Survivor’s Benefits vs Widow Benefits

Survivor Benefits Eligibility

Widow Benefits Eligibility

How Much Are Widow Benefits vs Survivor Benefits?

How Much Is Survivor Benefits?

How Much Is Widow Benefits?

How To Apply For Social Security Benefits

Documents Needed To Apply For Social Security Retirement Benefits Online

FAQs About The Difference Between Survivor Benefits And Widow Benefits

When Can A Widow Collect Her Husband's Social Security?

Can I Collect My Deceased Husband's Social Security And Still Work?

If My Ex Husband Dies Do I Get His Social Security?

Can You Collect Your Parents' Social Security When They Die?

Can A Grown Child Collect A Parents' Social Security?

If My Spouse Dies Do I Get His Social Security And Mine?

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