Widows and widowers Generally, spouses and ex-spouses become eligible for survivor benefits at age 60 — 50 if they are disabled — provided they do not remarry before that age. These benefits are payable for life unless the spouse begins collecting a retirement benefit that is greater than the survivor benefit.

Do widows get survivor benefits?

In most cases, a widow or widower qualifies for survivor benefits if he or she is at least 60 and had been married to the deceased for at least nine months at the time of death. If you are caring for children from the marriage who are under 16 or disabled, you can apply at any age.

Should I take widows benefits at 60?

If both payouts currently are about the same, it may be best to take the survivor benefit at age 60. Its going to be reduced because youre taking it early, but you can collect that benefit from age 60 to age 70 while your own retirement benefit continues to grow.

How much Social Security does a widow receive at age 60?

The earliest a widow or widower can start receiving Social Security survivors benefits based on age is age 60. 60, you will get 71.5 percent of the monthly benefit because you will be getting benefits for an additional 72 months.

Can a widow receive two Social Security checks?

Social Security allows you to claim both a retirement and a survivor benefit at the same time, but the two wont be added together to produce a bigger payment; you will receive the higher of the two amounts. You would be, in effect, simply claiming the bigger benefit.

What is a surviving spouse entitled to?

California is a community property state, which means that following the death of a spouse, the surviving spouse will have entitlement to one-half of the community property (i.e., property that was acquired over the course of the marriage, regardless of which spouse acquired it).

What percentage of Social Security does a widow get?

Widow or widower, full retirement age or older—100 percent of your benefit amount. Widow or widower, age 60 to full retirement age—71½ to 99 percent of your basic amount. Disabled widow or widower, age 50 through 59—71½ percent.

How much Social Security does a surviving spouse get?

Widow or widower, full retirement age or older—100 percent of your benefit amount. Widow or widower, age 60 to full retirement age—71½ to 99 percent of your basic amount.