Q & A
Can an ex-spouse get widow’s benefits?
Complete Question: Right now I’m getting ex-spouse Social Security benefits. I just found out that my ex-husband died a couple months ago. Is it possible for me to get widow’s benefits? I thought I’d ask first because I don’t want to go through the hassle of applying if there’s no point.
Answer: In general, yes you are entitled to widow’s benefits. An ex-spouse has to meet a lot of eligibility requirements; however, if you are already receiving ex-spouse benefits, then I can only assume you are eligible.
The only possible exception would be if your benefit on your own work record would be larger than the widow’s benefit. Again, I would assume that this is not the case since you are already receiving ex-spouse benefits.
Since you are eligible, you would receive a benefit amount that is larger than what you are currently receiving. The widow benefit is equal to the amount the insured (your ex-husband) was receiving at the time of death, and then reduced if you are younger than full retirement age. For example, if your ex-husband was receiving $1,500 and you are 66 years old, you will receive a $1,500/month surviving spouse benefit. If you are only 64 years old, then you will receive a $1,357.50/month surviving spouse benefit.
Finally, since your ex-husband has passed away, you will be able to remarry and continue to collect surviving spouse benefits. Typically an ex-spouse cannot continue collecting benefits after getting remarried; however, the rules are different for surviving spouse benefits. As long as you remarry after age 60, the new marriage will not terminate the surviving spouse benefit. If you do remarry and your new spousal benefit (or widow benefit off of the new husband) is larger, then you can switch your benefit so that it is based on your new husband’s work record.