Survivor benefits confusion - do widows get 50% or 100% of deceased spouse's Social Security?

First, I'm very sorry for your loss. Survivor benefits can be very confusing. As a widow, you are eligible for 100% of your deceased husband's benefit if you claim at your full retirement age, not just 50%. The 50% figure applies to spousal benefits when both spouses are alive. Since your husband hadn't claimed yet, your survivor benefit would be based on what he would have received at his full retirement age (67). If he had already claimed early, it would be based on his actual benefit amount with a possible small increase. For your friend, yes, she can claim survivor benefits on her ex-spouse's record since they were married for more than 10 years and neither remarried. She would also be eligible for up to 100% of his benefit amount, not 50%, if she claims at her full retirement age.

My mom got widows benefits and it wasnt 50%, it was the FULL amount my dad would of got. She started getting it when she was 62 tho so it was reduced a little bit. The SS people will figure it all out for you and tell you what you can get. But you need to apply ASAP dont wait!! benefits dont go back more than 6 months!!

The 50% vs 100% confusion comes from mixing up spousal benefits with survivor benefits. Here's the breakdown: - Spousal benefits (when both spouses are alive): max 50% of the other spouse's FRA benefit - Survivor benefits (after spouse's death): up to 100% of deceased's benefit If you claim survivor benefits before your FRA, they'll be reduced. At age 60, it's about 71.5% of the full survivor benefit. Each month you wait after 60 increases the percentage until you reach 100% at your FRA. For your husband who died before claiming: your benefit would be based on his full PIA (Primary Insurance Amount) at his FRA. For your divorced friend: yes, she qualifies since the marriage lasted over 10 years and neither remarried. Same rules apply - up to 100% at her FRA, reduced if claimed early.

NOBODY here can tell you exactly what you'll get!!! Every situation is different. The SSA screwed up my widow benefits THREE TIMES before getting it right. Their own employees give different answers!!! The whole system is designed to CONFUSE people so they claim early and get LESS MONEY. When my husband died, they never told me I could switch between my own benefit and the survivor benefit at different times to maximize what I get!!! Don't trust what you read online - INCLUDING HERE! You need to talk to an ACTUAL SSA AGENT who can look at YOUR specific case!!!

I went through this last year and want to add something important: you and your friend should BOTH apply for the lump-sum death benefit of $255. It's not much but it helps with funeral expenses. Also, if your husband was receiving Social Security Disability (SSDI) before passing, different rules might apply to the survivor benefit calculation. For your divorced friend, she needs her marriage certificate AND divorce decree when she applies. I didn't bring my divorce papers and had to make another appointment weeks later.

To answer your question about claiming early vs waiting: If you're still working or have other income sources, it usually makes financial sense to wait until your FRA to claim the full 100% survivor benefit. But if you need the income now, taking reduced benefits at 60 (71.5%) might be necessary. Just know you're permanently reducing the benefit. And yes, you CAN switch between benefits. Many widows take the reduced survivor benefit early, then switch to their own retirement benefit later if it's higher (especially if they wait until 70 to maximize their own benefit). For your divorced friend, the same strategies apply, but she should act quickly - there's a time limit for applying after the ex-spouse's death to get all retroactive benefits.

my aunt just went thru this!!! she got a HUGE backpay check cause her husband died 8 months before she finally got approved. they do pay you for the months you were eligible even if you didnt apply right away but theres a limit on how far back they go.

I remember being in your exact position when my husband passed. So confusing! One thing nobody mentioned yet - if you're under full retirement age and still working, your survivor benefits will be reduced if you earn above certain limits ($21,240 in 2025). For every $2 you earn above that limit, $1 is deducted from benefits. This earnings test no longer applies once you reach your full retirement age. Something important to factor into your decision about when to claim.

I'm so sorry for your loss, Samantha. I went through this same confusion when my husband passed away two years ago. The good news is that everyone here is right - you ARE eligible for 100% of his benefit, not 50%. One thing I want to emphasize that hasn't been mentioned much is the importance of getting your application in SOON. I made the mistake of waiting 4 months because I was overwhelmed with grief and paperwork, and I lost out on those months of benefits permanently since they only go back 6 months. Also, make sure you have his death certificate, your marriage certificate, and his Social Security card when you apply. The SSA office told me to bring tax returns from the last 2 years as well to verify his earnings record. For what it's worth, I ended up taking my survivor benefits at 62 (reduced to about 82%) because I needed the income, and I plan to switch to my own retirement benefit at 70 when it maxes out with delayed credits. The SSA representative helped me run the numbers and this strategy works best for my situation. Don't let the system intimidate you - you've earned these benefits through your husband's work, and you deserve every penny!

I'm so sorry for your loss, Samantha. Losing a spouse is incredibly difficult, and dealing with Social Security benefits on top of grief is overwhelming. Everyone here has given you great information about the 100% vs 50% - they're absolutely right that survivor benefits are 100% of your husband's benefit at his full retirement age, not the 50% spousal benefit for living spouses. Since you're 60 now, I'd strongly recommend making an appointment at your local SSA office soon. Don't try to do this over the phone - the wait times are brutal and you often get disconnected. In person, they can pull up both your records and your husband's records and show you exact dollar amounts for different claiming strategies. One thing I haven't seen mentioned is that you might also want to check if you're eligible for any survivor benefits from your own work record versus your husband's. Sometimes people have multiple options and don't realize it. The SSA representative can run scenarios showing your monthly benefit amounts if you claim now at 60 (reduced), at your full retirement age of 67 (100%), and also what your own retirement benefit would be if you waited until 70. This will help you make the best financial decision for your specific situation. Don't feel pressured to decide immediately, but do get the application process started so you don't lose any retroactive benefits. You've got this!

I'm so sorry for your loss, Samantha. This is one of the most confusing aspects of Social Security, but you've come to the right place for help. Just to reinforce what others have said - you ARE entitled to 100% of your husband's benefit amount, not 50%. The confusion comes from spousal benefits (50% while both spouses are alive) versus survivor benefits (up to 100% after one spouse passes). Since your husband died at 63 before claiming, your survivor benefit will be based on what he would have received at his full retirement age of 67 - his full Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). A few additional points that might help: - You can claim reduced survivor benefits as early as age 60 (you're there now), but they'll be permanently reduced to about 71.5% - If you wait until your FRA of 67, you'll get the full 100% - You mentioned working part-time - make sure your earnings stay under the annual limit ($21,240 for 2025) to avoid benefit reductions For your divorced friend - yes, she qualifies! 10+ year marriage, neither remarried, and the same 100% survivor benefit rules apply to her. My suggestion: make an in-person appointment at your local SSA office ASAP. They can run actual numbers for your specific situation and help you decide the best claiming strategy. Don't lose any more months of potential benefits while you're figuring this out. You've got this, and you're not alone in feeling overwhelmed by this process!