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Retirement / Decumulation, General

Am I Eligible For Social Security Benefits As A Surviving Spouse?

Updated 12/1/2023

Social Security survivor benefits present an important source of income for many of your clients. But, there are several important and unique issues that must be considered for any client that has recently lost their spouse or ex-spouse, before filing a claim to collect Social Security benefits.

To help make the analysis easier, we have created the “Am I Eligible For Social Security Benefits As A Surviving Spouse?” flowchart. It addresses many common Social Security issues that arise for clients who have recently lost their spouse or ex-spouse, including:

  • Eligibility and age considerations
  • Length of marriage rules
  • Age that benefits can be collected by the survivor
  • Surviving spouse vs. surviving ex-spouse implications
  • Impact of a remarriage
  • Impact of having children
  • Impact of a disability
Related Guides
Do I Qualify For Social Security Disability Benefits?
Category: Retirement / Decumulation
Am I Eligible For Social Security Benefits If I Have Been Divorced?
Category: General, Retirement / Decumulation, Life Events
Am I Eligible for Social Security Benefits As A Spouse?
Category: Retirement / Decumulation
Will My Social Security Benefits Be Reduced?
Category: Retirement / Decumulation, General
What Issues Should I Consider With My Social Security Retirement Benefits?
Category: Retirement / Decumulation, General, Life Events

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