Q & A
Do I have to file for a Social Security widower’s benefit?
Complete Question: My wife just passed away. I hadn’t really thought about a widower’s benefit from Social Security because I just assumed I would be the first one to go. But unfortunately, this is what happened. Her benefit was higher than mine, so I was told I might be able to get a larger Social Security payment. Do I file for that or does the Social Security office automatically change my benefit to a widower’s benefit?
Answer: It all has to do with your age and current circumstances, since surviving spouse benefits (like any other Social Security benefits) are reduced if you take them before full retirement age (66).
There are two general circumstances that will cause your benefit to switch automatically. The first is if you are already 66 or older and entitled to a spousal benefit. The second is when you are younger than 66, entitled to a spousal benefit, but not entitled to your own benefit. It does not sound like this second circumstance applies to you, though, since you mentioned you have your own benefit.
So to look at this in another way, you need to file for the survivor’s/widower’s benefit if you are currently getting a spousal benefit that was reduced because you took it earlier than full retirement age AND you are younger than age 66. Also, since taking the surviving spouse benefit at an early age will reduce the widower’s benefit, if you fall under this category you can continue getting the benefit you are currently receiving and file for your surviving spouse benefit later. Just remember that you cannot earn delayed retirement credits on a surviving spouse benefit.