Benefits for Widows, Widowers & Other Survivors

Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2010/09/05
Topic: U.S. Social Security - Publications List

Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main

Synopsis: When a person has worked and paid Social Security taxes dies widows widowers and other survivors may be eligible for survivors benefits.

Introduction

Main Item

If your divorced spouse dies, you can receive benefits as a widow or widower if the marriage lasted 10 years or longer and you are age 60 or older (or age 50 if you are disabled.)

If you are collecting survivors benefits, you can switch to your own retirement benefits (assuming you are eligible and your retirement rate is higher than the widow or widower's rate) as early as age 62.

Benefits paid to a surviving divorced spouse who is 60 or older (age 50 if disabled) will not affect the benefit rates for other survivors receiving benefits.

U.S. Social Security survivors benefits can be paid to:

• Dependent parents age 62 or older
• A disabled widow or widower, as early as age 50
• Children at any age who were disabled before age 22 and remain disabled.
• A widow or widower, full benefits at full retirement age, or reduced benefits as early as age 60
• A widow or widower at any age if he or she takes care of the deceased's child who is under age 16 or disabled, and receiving Social Security benefits
• Unmarried children under 18, or up to age 19 if they are attending high school full time. Under certain circumstances, benefits can be paid to stepchildren, grandchildren, or adopted children.

Further Information on Benefits for Widows, Widowers at the U.S. Social Security website - www.ssa.gov/ww&os2.htm

Author Credentials: Ian was born and grew up in Australia. Since then, he has traveled and lived in numerous locations and currently resides in Montreal, Canada. Ian is the founder, a writer, and editor in chief for Disabled World. Ian believes in the Social Model of Disability, a belief developed by disabled people in the 1970s. The social model changes the focus away from people's impairments and towards removing barriers that disabled people face daily. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and achievements, check out his bio.