Social Security Benefits for a Surviving Spouse

By Brett Gottlieb

Losing a spouse can be overwhelming (to say the least), with a swirl of emotions and practical challenges to sift through. Making decisions, especially about finances, can feel daunting during such a difficult time.

One important decision you’ll have to consider involves Social Security benefits for you and your late spouse. It’s best to plan for this before it happens to avoid added stress.

I suggest speaking with a financial advisor or the Social Security Administration now. This way, you and your spouse can understand how to handle survivor benefits in the future. Let’s explore what you need to know about Social Security benefits for a surviving spouse.

Eligibility for Survivor Benefits

Monthly payments of Social Security survivor benefits are available to you as a surviving spouse of a worker eligible to receive Social Security if you:

• Had been married for at least nine months
• Are at least 60 years old (at least 50 if you are disabled)
• Are younger than 60 years and caring for the deceased’s children under 16 years of age
• Are not entitled to an equal or higher amount of Social Security benefits for your work

Also, the deceased spouse must have earned the required credits to receive Social Security benefits. These credits increase with age and hit a limit of 40 (the equivalent of 10 years of work) for your lifetime.

Applying for Social Security Benefits

When a spouse dies, you must notify the federal Social Security Administration as soon as possible. However, you cannot report the death—or apply for benefits—online. It must be done by phone, through the mail, or in person.

Most often, the funeral home handling your deceased spouse will report the death to the Social Security Administration. You can simply give the funeral home your spouse’s Social Security number.

If you are receiving no Social Security benefits, the Social Security Administration suggests you apply as soon as possible after a spouse’s death. In some circumstances, Social Security benefits might not be retroactive.

However, applying for survivor benefits does not mean you need to begin receiving them right away. This is where the planning you and your spouse do before either of you dies is most important for preserving the financial well-being of the spouse that is left behind.

You don’t need to apply if you already are receiving Social Security benefits on the work record of your spouse or your parents. The Social Security Administration will automatically switch you to survivor benefits.

But you do have to apply if you’re receiving retirement or disability benefits on your work record. The Social Security Administration will check whether you can get a higher Social Security benefit as a survivor.

Other Important Considerations

Here are a few more key points to keep in mind when applying for survivor benefits. This is where things can get complicated—but that’s why we’re here to help you every step of the way.

Earned Income Limits

If you claim survivor benefits before reaching your Full Retirement Age (FRA), your full benefits may be reduced if your income exceeds certain limits. This catches many people by surprise, so it’s important to understand these lesser-known details when applying.

Permanent Social Security Reduction

Starting to collect survivor benefits before age 60 and before your FRA can lead to a permanent reduction in your Social Security benefit. It’s a big decision with long-term impacts.

Leveraging Benefits

Consider collecting survivor benefits (as long as financially possible) before switching to your own benefits to enhance delayed retirement credits. This strategy can be tricky, so it’s best to reach out to a trusted financial advisor for advice.

Remarriage Rules

It’s crucial to note that remarrying before age 60 can affect your eligibility for survivor benefits, meaning you could potentially forfeit them. It’s important to understand the implications as you move forward, and we can help you plan accordingly to manage any unexpected losses.

Documents to Prepare

The list of documents the Social Security Administration may ask you to supply when applying for Social Security benefits is long. It includes:

• Proof of your spouse’s death (from the funeral home or a death certificate)
• Your birth certificate or other proof of birth (original)
• Proof you are a U.S. citizen or lawful alien if not born in the U.S.
• W-2 forms and/or self-employment tax returns for your spouse (photocopy okay)
• Marriage certificate
• Military discharge papers if you had been in the armed services
• Two forms for disability benefits (SSA-3368 and SSA-827) describing your condition and releasing the information to the Social Security Administration

The list of questions you’ll need to answer is even longer. Again, the Social Security Administration suggests applying as soon as possible, even if you do not have all the documents.

As with any kind of estate planning, many couples don’t want to talk about the possible death of their spouse. However, having a plan in place allows you to gather the required documents and answers so you have them when you need them.

Take Action Today

We all want to feel confident that our spouse will be taken care of financially, especially in the face of unforeseen events. Comprehensive Advisor is here to help you plan for the future, including estate planning and supporting your spouse’s financial stability.

Reach out to us for guidance by emailing us at info@ComprehensiveAdvisor.com or calling (760) 813-2125.

About Our Advisors

Brett Gottlieb is the founder of Comprehensive Advisor and a financial advisor with nearly two decades of industry experience. He graduated from California State University-Chico with two bachelor’s degrees, in business administration and economics, and is Life Insurance licensed in several states. He is passionate about guiding his clients on retirement income planning, helping each client pursue their specific retirement goals, and defending the assets his clients have worked so hard to achieve. Brett is a California native and currently resides in San Elijo Hills with his beautiful wife and three children.

Our team of qualified professionals have experience in the financial service industry, and our advisors hail from some of the largest independent broker/dealers and banking institutions in the country. They have dedicated their professional careers to creating personalized financial strategies for individuals and families who seek successful retirement planning and currently offer investment advisory services through AE Wealth Management, LLC. Our advisors take a common-sense approach to the planning process and work with clients to create a comprehensive retirement roadmap to help ensure their assets are preserved and they receive the income needed to enjoy their future. Based in Carlsbad, California, they work with clients throughout San Diego County and beyond. Learn more by connecting with Brett on LinkedIn or email them at info@ComprehensiveAdvisor.com.

Investment advisory products and services made available through AE Wealth Management, LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Advisor. Insurance products are offered through the insurance business C.A. Financial & Insurance Services. Comprehensive Advisor, LLC is an Investment Advisory practice that offers products and services through AE Wealth Management LLC (AEWM), a Registered Investment Advisor. AEWM does not offer insurance products. The insurance products offered by C.A. Financial & Insurance Services are not subject to investment Advisor requirements. CA Ins. Lic. #6000262. This material is intended to provide general information and is believed to be reliable, but accuracy and completeness cannot be guaranteed. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. Any references to protection benefits, safety, security, lifetime income, etc., generally refer to fixed insurance products, never securities or investment products. Insurance and annuity product guarantees are backed by the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company. Comprehensive Advisor is not affiliated with the U.S. government or any governmental agency.  02558203 – 8/2024