Social Security Survivor Benefits

Survivor benefits pay up to 100% of the deceased spouse's benefit — higher than the 50% spousal benefit available while both spouses are alive. Widows and widowers can claim as early as age 60 (50 if disabled), but the benefit is permanently reduced if claimed before full retirement age. A key strategy: claim the survivor benefit early while letting your own earned benefit grow to 70, then switch if your own benefit ends up larger. Children under 18 and dependent parents may also qualify for survivor benefits.