Can a Widower Claim Social Security on a Late Spouse's Record?
A man whose wife died at 60 after a long career may be eligible for survivor benefits. Here's how Social Security rules apply.
When a high-earning spouse dies before claiming Social Security, surviving partners are often unaware they may be entitled to significant survivor benefits — a provision that financial planners say is frequently overlooked.
According to a question posed to MarketWatch, a man whose wife died at age 60 after a high-earning career — the couple having been married for over 30 years — may qualify to receive Social Security survivor benefits based on her earnings record. The length of the marriage and her work history are both factors that could work in his favor.
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Under Social Security Administration rules, a surviving spouse generally must have been married to the deceased for at least nine months immediately before the death to qualify for survivor benefits. A marriage of more than 30 years would satisfy that threshold comfortably, making the widower a strong candidate for benefits tied to his late wife's lifetime earnings.
The amount a surviving spouse can collect depends on several variables, including the deceased worker's full retirement age benefit, the survivor's own age at the time of claiming, and whether the survivor has independent earnings. Claiming earlier — as young as age 60 for a surviving spouse — typically results in a reduced monthly payment, while waiting until full retirement age maximizes the benefit.
Financial advisers note that survivors navigating these rules should consult the Social Security Administration directly or work with a benefits specialist, as the interaction between a survivor's own retirement benefit and the inherited benefit can be complex. Continue reading at MarketWatch.com
