Social Security Survivor Benefits
Updated October 2026 · 2026 figures from the Social Security Administration and IRS
Social Security survivor benefits pay monthly checks to the widow, widower, children or dependent parents of a worker who died. A surviving spouse can start at 60 (50 if disabled) and gets 71.5% to 100% of the deceased's benefit; children usually get 75%. There's also a one-time $255 payment. You must apply by phone or in person.
Below: who qualifies, how much each person gets by age, how to apply after a death and the switching strategy that can add thousands of dollars.
Who qualifies for Social Security survivor benefits
The person who died must have worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough — generally up to 40 credits, fewer if they died young. Then these family members may qualify (SSA survivor eligibility):
| Survivor | Main conditions |
|---|---|
| Widow or widower | Age 60+, or 50–59 with a disability; married at least 9 months; didn't remarry before 60 (50 if disabled) |
| Spouse caring for a child | Any age, caring for the deceased's child under 16 or disabled |
| Divorced spouse | Married at least 10 years; same age and remarriage rules as a widow(er) (not required if caring for the child) |
| Children | Unmarried and under 18, 18–19 in high school full time, or disabled before 22; stepchildren, adopted children and some grandchildren can qualify |
| Dependent parents | Age 62+ and financially supported by the child who died |
How much survivors get
Amounts are a percentage of what the deceased was receiving, or would have received at full retirement age (SSA survivor amounts).
| Survivor | Share of the deceased's benefit |
|---|---|
| Widow(er) at survivor full retirement age | 100% |
| Widow(er) at 65 (full retirement age 67) | about 91.9% |
| Widow(er) at 63 | about 83.7% |
| Widow(er) at 61 | about 75.6% |
| Widow(er) at 60, or disabled 50–59 | 71.5% |
| Widow(er) any age caring for a child under 16 | 75% |
| Each eligible child | 75% |
| One dependent parent / each of two parents | 82.5% / 75% |
Percentages between 60 and full retirement age use SSA's monthly reduction for a survivor full retirement age of 67 (born 1962 or later). If the deceased claimed early, a widow(er) gets the larger of their reduced benefit or 82.5% of their full benefit.
Family maximum: total family payments are capped at roughly 150% to 180% of the deceased's full benefit; if the family is over the limit, each person's payment is reduced proportionally. In January 2026, a widowed mother with two children received $3,898 a month on average, and an aged widow(er) alone $1,919 (SSA 2026 COLA fact sheet).
How to apply for Social Security survivor benefits after a death
- Let the funeral home report the death. Most do it automatically if you give them the deceased's Social Security number.
- Call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) to apply. Survivor benefits can't be fully claimed online; SSA will set a phone or office appointment.
- Gather documents: death certificate (or SSA's proof from the funeral home), your Social Security number and the deceased's, birth certificate, marriage certificate (divorce decree if divorced), the children's birth certificates, the deceased's latest W-2 or tax return, and your bank details.
- Return any payment for the month of death. Social Security pays a month behind, so the payment received in the month after death must be returned — the bank usually sends it back automatically.
- Ask about the $255 lump sum. It goes to a spouse who lived with the deceased (or got benefits on their record), otherwise to eligible children. Apply within two years.
The switching strategy: survivor now, your own later
You can only receive the larger of your own benefit or the survivor benefit — but you can choose the order. Survivor benefits have no credits for waiting past full retirement age, while your own benefit grows 8% a year until 70.
- Take the survivor benefit at 60 and switch to your own at 70 if your own benefit at 70 would be higher.
- Or take your own reduced benefit at 62 and switch to the full survivor benefit at survivor full retirement age if the survivor benefit is larger.
Run your own numbers with the Social Security calculator and ask SSA to compare both options when you apply. They don't always suggest it, so ask specifically.
Remarriage, work and Medicare
- Remarrying after 60 (50 if disabled) doesn't affect Social Security survivor benefits. Remarrying before that age ends them, unless the later marriage ends.
- Working before full retirement age: the 2026 earnings limit applies — $1 withheld for every $2 earned above $24,480.
- Medicare: a disabled widow(er) can qualify for Medicare after 24 months of survivor benefits; otherwise Medicare starts at 65 (see Medicare eligibility).
- Taxes: survivor benefits follow the same income-tax rules as retirement benefits; children's benefits are usually not taxed because their income is low.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a widow get from Social Security?
A widow or widower gets 100% of the deceased spouse's benefit at survivor full retirement age, or 71.5% to about 99% between ages 60 and full retirement age. The average aged widow(er) received $1,919 a month in January 2026.
Can I get my deceased husband's Social Security and my own?
Not both in full. You get the higher of the two, but you can take one first and switch to the other later, for example the survivor benefit at 60 and your own at 70.
Is the $255 death benefit still paid?
Yes. Social Security pays a one-time $255 to a surviving spouse who lived with the deceased or was getting benefits on their record, or to eligible children. You must apply within two years.
Can a divorced spouse get survivor benefits?
Yes, if the marriage lasted at least 10 years and they meet the age and remarriage rules. Their benefit doesn't reduce what the widow(er) or children receive.
How long do children's survivor benefits last?
Until 18, or until 19 while in high school full time. A child disabled before 22 can keep receiving benefits as an adult.