Social security survivor benefits: 6 things to remember

Understanding how social security benefits apply to a surviving spouse is essential to creating an effective retirement income plan. Here’s what you should know:

1. Surviving spouses can claim benefits as early as age 60, unlike spousal benefits, which can’t be claimed until 62, however survivor benefits are subject to an earnings test if you are below full retirement age.

2. Generally, you must be married for at least nine months to receive survivor benefits.

3. If you remarry prior to age 60, you’ll forfeit your survivor benefits from the prior marriage.

4. Claiming your own benefit or the spousal benefit early will not impact your survivor benefit.

5. Surviving spouses who haven’t claimed their own retirement benefit have the option of claiming the survivor benefit and letting their own benefit grow due to delayed retirement credits.

6. Other family members, including some dependents, may qualify for survivor benefits.

Source: Social Security Administration