Understanding Spousal Social Security Benefits- What Happens When Your Partner Passes Away-

Do you get spouses social security when they die? This is a question that many people have, especially those who are married and rely on their spouse’s Social Security benefits. Understanding how Social Security benefits are distributed upon the death of a spouse is crucial for planning your financial future and ensuring that your loved ones are taken care of in the event of your passing.

Social Security is a federal program designed to provide financial support to retired, disabled, and surviving family members of deceased workers. When a spouse dies, the surviving spouse may be eligible to receive Social Security benefits based on the deceased spouse’s earnings record. Here’s a closer look at the different types of benefits available to surviving spouses and how to determine your eligibility.

Survivor’s Benefits

Survivor’s benefits are a type of Social Security benefit that is available to the surviving spouse of a deceased worker. To be eligible for survivor’s benefits, the surviving spouse must meet certain criteria:

1. Age: The surviving spouse must be at least age 60 or older.
2. Widow(er): If the surviving spouse is widowed, they are eligible for survivor’s benefits.
3. Divorced: If the surviving spouse was married to the deceased for at least 10 years, they may still be eligible for survivor’s benefits, even if they are now divorced.
4. Disabled: If the surviving spouse is disabled and has been disabled for at least a year, they may be eligible for survivor’s benefits.

The amount of survivor’s benefits a surviving spouse receives is based on the deceased spouse’s earnings record. The higher the deceased spouse’s earnings, the higher the survivor’s benefits will be.

Spousal Benefits

In addition to survivor’s benefits, surviving spouses may also be eligible for spousal benefits. Spousal benefits are calculated as a percentage of the deceased spouse’s primary insurance amount (PIA), which is the amount they would have received at full retirement age.

To be eligible for spousal benefits, the surviving spouse must meet the following criteria:

1. Age: The surviving spouse must be at least age 62.
2. Marriage Duration: The surviving spouse must have been married to the deceased for at least nine months before the deceased’s death.
3. Divorce: If the surviving spouse is divorced, they must have been married to the deceased for at least 10 years and be unmarried at the time of applying for benefits.

The amount of spousal benefits a surviving spouse receives is also based on the deceased spouse’s earnings record. However, if the surviving spouse’s own Social Security benefit is higher, they may choose to receive the higher benefit instead.

How to Apply for Benefits

To apply for survivor’s or spousal benefits, you can visit the Social Security Administration’s website, call their toll-free number at 1-800-772-1213, or visit your local Social Security office. You will need to provide documentation such as your birth certificate, marriage certificate, and proof of the deceased spouse’s death.

Understanding how Social Security benefits are distributed upon the death of a spouse is essential for ensuring that your loved ones are financially secure. By knowing your options and eligibility requirements, you can make informed decisions about your financial future and the well-being of your family.