If Both Spouses Collect Social Security and One Dies What Happens?

Understanding Survivor Benefits

Social Security survivor benefits are a component of the program designed to provide financial assistance to eligible family members of a deceased worker. When one spouse passes away, and both were already receiving Social Security benefits, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will pay the surviving spouse only one benefit amount. The SSA evaluates both the surviving spouse’s existing Social Security retirement or disability benefit and the potential survivor benefit based on the deceased spouse’s earnings record. The surviving spouse will then receive the higher of these two calculated amounts, rather than receiving both benefits simultaneously. This ensures continued financial support, recognizing the loss of income from the deceased’s benefit.

Eligibility for Survivor Benefits

Eligibility for Social Security survivor benefits depends on several specific conditions, including the surviving spouse’s age and the duration of the marriage. A surviving spouse can generally begin receiving reduced benefits as early as age 60, or age 50 if they have a disability. The full retirement age for survivor benefits, which is distinct from the full retirement age for retirement benefits, ranges between ages 66 and 67 depending on the year of birth.

To qualify, the marriage must typically have lasted for at least nine months immediately preceding the deceased spouse’s death. Exceptions to this rule exist for accidental deaths or if the deceased was on active military duty. A former spouse may also qualify if the marriage lasted 10 years or more and other criteria are met.

A surviving spouse of any age may be eligible if they are caring for the deceased’s child who is under age 16 or has a disability that began before age 22, provided the child receives Social Security benefits. Remarriage can impact eligibility; generally, if it occurs before age 60 (or age 50 if disabled), survivor benefits may cease. However, remarriage after reaching age 60 (or age 50 if disabled) does not prevent a surviving spouse from receiving benefits based on a former spouse’s work record.

Calculating Your Survivor Benefit

The amount of a Social Security survivor benefit is primarily determined by the deceased spouse’s Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). The PIA represents the monthly benefit the deceased would have received had they claimed benefits at their full retirement age (FRA). The more the deceased contributed to Social Security through their lifetime earnings, the higher their PIA and, consequently, the potential survivor benefit.

The surviving spouse’s age at the time they claim the survivor benefit significantly influences the percentage of the deceased’s PIA they will receive. Claiming benefits at the surviving spouse’s own full retirement age for survivor benefits generally allows for receipt of 100% of the deceased’s PIA. If benefits are claimed earlier, for example, at age 60, the amount is reduced, potentially ranging from 71.5% to 99% of the deceased’s PIA.

The Social Security Administration (SSA) conducts a comparison between the surviving spouse’s own earned Social Security benefit and the calculated survivor benefit. The beneficiary will then receive the higher of these two amounts, ensuring they receive the maximum possible benefit available.

If the surviving spouse continues to work and is below their full retirement age, their earnings might temporarily reduce the benefit amount. For instance, in 2025, for individuals younger than full retirement age, $1 in benefits may be withheld for every $2 earned above an annual limit of $23,400. Once the surviving spouse reaches their full retirement age, earnings no longer affect the benefit amount, and any previously withheld benefits may be restored.

Steps to Claim Survivor Benefits

The initial procedural step after a spouse’s death is to report the death to the Social Security Administration (SSA). Often, the funeral home handles this notification, but the surviving spouse or a family member can also contact the SSA directly. Following the death report, the surviving spouse must then apply for survivor benefits, as this process is a separate action from the initial death notification.

Applications for survivor benefits cannot typically be completed online; instead, individuals can apply by phone or by visiting a local SSA office. It is advisable to apply promptly, because for some claims, benefits are generally retroactive to the application date, not the date of death.

Several documents are commonly required for the application process to establish eligibility. These typically include the deceased spouse’s death certificate, the surviving spouse’s Social Security number and birth certificate, and the marriage certificate. The deceased worker’s W-2 forms or federal self-employment tax returns for the most recent year, alongside bank account information for direct deposit, are also usually needed. Even if all documents are not immediately available, it is important not to delay the application, as the SSA can assist in obtaining necessary information. After submission, the SSA reviews the application and determines eligibility and benefit amounts, communicating the decision to the applicant.