Who Qualifies for a Widow’s Pension?

Under the 1939 amendments to the Social Security Act, surviving spouses are not the only ones eligible for survivor benefits—also known as a widow’s pension. Other parties close to the deceased may claim Social Security benefits on their record. So, the Social Security Administration must set specific rules for widow’s pension payments to determien who gets what. Below is an overview of eligibility and payment calculations.

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What Is a Widow’s Pension?

A widow’s pension, also known as a Social Security survivor benefit, provides monthly payments to certain eligible family members after a worker dies. Social Security payroll taxes paid during the worker’s lifetime fund these benefits.

Survivor benefits replace part of the income that the deceased worker provided. For many surviving spouses, these benefits can become an important source of retirement income. These monthly payments are separate from Social Security’s one-time lump-sum death payment, which has different eligibility rules.

Survivor benefits differ from the one-time death benefit paid to a deceased worker’s spouse or family. Families continue to receive survivor benefits each month.

Who Can Receive a Widow’s Pension?

A widow or widower generally can receive survivor benefits beginning at age 60. If you have a qualifying disability, you may be eligible as early as age 50. Claiming benefits before your full retirement age generally reduces your monthly payment. Waiting until full retirement age generally allows you to receive your full survivor benefit. If your disability began before or within seven years of your spouse’s death, different eligibility rules may apply. If you remarry after age 60, or after age 50 if you have a qualifying disability, you generally won’t see a change to your survivor benefits.

A surviving divorced spouse also may qualify if the marriage lasted at least 10 years You must generally be at least age 60, or age 50 if you have a qualifying disability. As with surviving spouses, claiming before full retirement age generally reduces the benefit amount. Domestic partners generally are not eligible for Social Security survivor benefits based solely on the domestic partnership.

You may also qualify for survivor benefits at any age if you are caring for the deceased worker’s child who is under age 16 or has a qualifying disability. A surviving divorced spouse caring for the worker’s qualifying child does not have to meet the 10-year marriage requirement.

How Much Is a Widow’s Pension?

The amount you receive largely depends on your relationship to the deceased worker. However, the age when you claim benefits and your individual financial circumstances play a role, too. In general, the worker must have earned enough Social Security credits for survivor benefits to be available. The number of credits required depends on the worker’s age at death.

The percentages below represent the share of the deceased worker’s benefit that an eligible survivor may receive: ¹

• Widow or widower at full retirement age or older: 100%
• Widow or widower age 60 through the day before full retirement age: 71% to 99%
• Widow or widower of any age caring for the deceased worker’s child under age 16 or with a qualifying disability: 75%
• Disabled widow or widower ages 50 through 59: 71%
• Eligible child under age 18, or up to age 19 if still attending elementary or secondary school full time, or an adult child with a qualifying disability that began before age 22: 75%
• One surviving dependent parent age 62 or older: 82.5%
• Two surviving dependent parents age 62 or older: 75% each

How to Apply for Survivor Benefits

The Social Security Administration does not pay survivor benefits automatically. You generally must apply with the Social Security Administration and provide documents such as a death certificate, proof of your relationship to the deceased worker and other identifying information. Depending on your situation, you also may need documents related to a divorce, disability or dependent children.

Applying promptly can help avoid delays in receiving benefits. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, the Social Security Administration can review your eligibility. They will explain the documentation required for your claim.

Bottom Line

Social Security survivor benefits can provide an important income stream after the death of a spouse or other eligible family member. Your eligibility and benefit amount depend on factors such as your relationship to the deceased worker, your age and when you claim benefits. Applying as soon as you’re eligible can help prevent unnecessary delays in receiving monthly payments.

Retirement Planning Tips

• A financial advisor can offer valuable guidance and insight as you consider how to approach retirement. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
• Retirement planning can be as complicated as it is important. Use SmartAsset’s retirement calculator to take a look at different possible scenarios regarding your Social Security benefits.

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