Social Security Benefit Rules For Surviving Spouses – Am I Eligible For Social Security Benefits As A Surviving Spouse?

2026 ยท AM I ELIGIBLE FOR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS
AS A SURVIVING SPOUSE?
Has your spouse (ex-spouse) passed away?Sorry, you are likely not eligible for survivor benefits (unless your spouse's death meets one of the other limited exceptions to the 9-month duration of marriage requirement).Sorry, you are not eligible for survivor benefits, but you may be eligible for spousal benefits on your current spouse's record.Did you remarry before turning 60 (50 if disabled)?You may be eligible for survivor benefits on your deceased spouseโ€™s (or ex-spouse's) record.You may be eligible for survivor benefits on your former spouseโ€™s record while married.You may be entitled to 75% of survivor benefits regardless of your age at least until the child turns 16 (or beyond if disabled).Did the subsequent marriage end in death or divorce?See โ€œAm I Eligible for Social Security Benefits As A Spouse?โ€ flowchart.See โ€œAm I Eligible for Social Security Benefits As A Spouse?โ€ flowchart.Are you caring for a child that is yours and your late spouse's, who is collecting dependent care benefits on your spouse's record and is under age 16 or became disabled prior to age 22?Are you caring for a child that is yours and your late spouse's, who is collecting dependent care benefits on your spouse's record and is under age 16 or became disabled prior to age 22?Did a divorced spouse pass away?Were you married for at least 9 months, or was the death accidental?YesNoYesNoNoYesNoYesNoYesDid you remarry?YesNoSorry, you are not eligible for survivor benefits on your ex-spouse's record.Did your marriage last at least 10 years?YesNoYou may be able to choose between former spouses to claim the greatest benefits.See โ€œAm I Eligible For Social Security Benefits If I Have Been Divorced?โ€ flowchart.YesNoYesNoHow old will you be when you collect benefits on your spouseโ€™s record?FRA or older: Benefit is the greater of 100% of the deceased spouseโ€™s benefit or 82.5% of their PIA.Be mindful of the earnings test (if still working). If your deceased spouse claimed early and you havenโ€™t reached FRA, claiming early on their PIA may result in a higher benefit than waiting until your FRA to receive 100% of their benefit.Between 60 and FRA (or 50 and FRA for qualifying disabilities). Benefits will be 71.5โ€“99% of your deceased spouse's benefits or their PIA (based on a complex formula).START HERE
ยฉ fpPathfinder.com. Licensed for the sole use of Eric Blake of Blake Wealth Management. All rights reserved. Used with permission. Updated 02/25/2026.
Content Disclosures


This is not an exhaustive list of considerations. You should have a meaningful discussion with, among other people, your financial advisor that goes beyond the topics covered here. Neither RFG Advisory nor Blake Wealth Management provide tax, legal or accounting advice. RFG Advisory cannot guarantee that the information herein is accurate, complete, or timely. RFG Advisory makes no warranties with regard to such information or results obtained by its use, and disclaims any liability arising out of your use of such information. Advisory services offered by Investment Advisory Representatives of RFG Advisory, LLC ("RFG Advisory" or "RFG") a registered investment advisor. Blake Wealth Management and RFG Advisory are unaffiliated entities. Advisory services are only offered to clients or prospective clients where RFG Advisory and its representatives are properly licensed or exempt from licensure. No advisory services may be rendered by RFG Advisory unless a client agreement is in place.

Eric Blake, Founder and Lead Financial Planner
201 W Virginia Street | Suite 102 | McKinney, Texas 75069