Losing a spouse is painful enough without worrying about paperwork. But if your husband or wife has passed away, you may be entitled to Social Security survivor benefits — and acting promptly can mean thousands of dollars over your lifetime. This guide explains what you can claim in 2026 and how to do it, in plain language.

What Are Survivor Benefits — and Who Qualifies?

Survivor benefits are Social Security payments made to the surviving spouse (and sometimes ex-spouse or children) of a worker who earned enough credits during their working years. According to the Social Security Administration, a surviving spouse generally qualifies if:

• You are age 60 or older (50 or older if you have a qualifying disability).
• You were married for at least 9 months before your spouse’s death (some exceptions apply, such as accidental death).
• Your late spouse earned enough work credits to be insured.

One rule many survivors miss: remarrying at or after age 60 does not disqualify you from collecting survivor benefits on your late spouse’s record, per the SSA. If you remarry before 60, benefits are generally suspended — but they can resume if that later marriage ends.

How Much Will You Receive?

The amount depends on your age when you claim. Per the Social Security Administration:

Your survivor full retirement age is slightly different from your own retirement FRA. Importantly, the SSA notes that survivor benefits do not grow with delayed retirement credits after your FRA — so there is no advantage to waiting past that point on this particular benefit.

The Widow’s Switch: A Strategy Worth Knowing

Here is where planning pays off. If you’re entitled to both your own retirement benefit and a survivor benefit, the SSA allows you to claim one first and switch to the other later — you don’t have to take both at once.

Many people claim the smaller survivor benefit early, then switch to their own larger retirement benefit at age 70 — when it has grown to its maximum.

Others do the reverse. The right order depends on which benefit is bigger and your health and income needs.

Because this decision can meaningfully change your lifetime income, it’s worth reviewing with a financial planner or the SSA directly before you file. You want to lock in the sequence that leaves the least money on the table. You may also find our guide on when to claim Social Security helpful here.

The $255 Lump-Sum Death Benefit

The SSA also pays a one-time $255 lump-sum death payment to an eligible surviving spouse who was living with the deceased, or to a spouse or child receiving benefits on the record. It is not automatic — you must apply, and the SSA requires the claim within 2 years of the date of death. It’s requested using Form SSA-8. It’s a small sum, but there’s no reason to leave it unclaimed.

How to Apply: Steps and Documents

Apply promptly — some benefits are not fully retroactive, so delays can cost you. You can review the official rules on the Social Security Administration’s survivor benefits page.

This is also a natural moment to get your late spouse’s estate documents in order. A service like Trust & Will can help organize wills, beneficiaries, and important paperwork in one place. This post contains affiliate links; we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Sources

• Social Security Administration — Survivors Benefits
• Social Security Administration — Form SSA-8 (Lump-Sum Death Payment)

This is general information, not financial or tax advice. Consult a professional about your situation.

About the author — Grace Mitchell writes practical, well-sourced guides to help adults over 60 live healthier, more comfortable lives. Where health or money is involved, every claim is grounded in authoritative sources such as the NIH, Mayo Clinic, Social Security Administration, and Medicare.