Social Security Survivor Benefits: The Basics
A survivor benefit is not calculated with the same rules as your own worker retirement benefit.
Your options depend on the relationship
A surviving spouse, former spouse, child, or dependent parent may qualify under different conditions. A widow or widower can generally apply from 60, or earlier under specific disability or child-care rules.
The worker’s claiming decision can matter
Delayed retirement credits and early retirement can affect the survivor amount. Claiming survivor benefits before survivor FRA may reduce it. Survivor FRA can differ from worker FRA.
Do not add two full benefits
Where you qualify for your own retirement benefit and a survivor benefit, you ordinarily receive the higher combined entitlement rather than both full payments. Some people can switch benefit types later.
Ask SSA for a household estimate
Our worker claiming-age calculator does not calculate survivor payments. Use the official survivor information and contact SSA about the eligibility and timing that apply to your household.
Check the sources.
Data checked October 1, 2026.