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

2026 · 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 spouse’s (or ex-spouse's) record.You may be eligible for survivor benefits on your former spouse’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 “Am I Eligible for Social Security Benefits As A Spouse?” flowchart.See “Am I Eligible for Social Security Benefits As A Spouse?” 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 “Am I Eligible For Social Security Benefits If I Have Been Divorced?” flowchart.YesNoYesNoHow old will you be when you collect benefits on your spouse’s record?FRA or older: Benefit is the greater of 100% of the deceased spouse’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 haven’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 71.5–99% of your deceased spouse's benefits or their PIA (based on a complex formula).START HERE
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