Step 7: Look into Survivor and Divorcee Benefits

Beyond standard retirement and spousal benefits, there are other important provisions that can provide crucial income. Two of the most often overlooked are survivor benefits for widows and widowers, and benefits for divorced spouses.

Survivor Benefits

We touched on this in the spousal section, but it deserves its own focus. If your spouse has passed away, you may be eligible to collect survivor benefits based on their work record. This benefit can be claimed as early as age 60 (or age 50 if you are disabled). However, just like regular retirement benefits, claiming it before your full retirement age will result in a reduced monthly payment.

The amount is typically up to 100% of what your late spouse was receiving or was entitled to receive at their full retirement age. A unique feature of survivor benefits is that they are treated separately from your own retirement benefit. This allows for some flexible claiming strategies. For example, you could choose to claim a survivor benefit first, and then switch to your own retirement benefit at age 70 if your own benefit would be larger, allowing it to grow to its maximum amount.

Benefits for a Divorced Spouse

Many people are surprised to learn that you may be able to claim Social Security benefits based on an ex-spouse’s work record. Claiming this benefit has no effect whatsoever on your ex-spouse or their current spouse; it is simply a benefit you are entitled to under the law.

To qualify, you must meet a few key conditions:

Your marriage lasted for 10 years or longer.

You are currently unmarried.

You are age 62 or older.

The benefit you are entitled to based on your own work is less than the benefit you would receive based on your ex-spouse’s work.

The benefit amount is the same as a spousal benefit—up to 50% of your ex-spouse’s full retirement age amount. If you have been divorced for at least two years, you can even claim these benefits if your ex-spouse has not yet filed for their own benefits (as long as they are eligible).

If you are a widow, widower, or meet the divorcee criteria, it is well worth your time to contact the SSA to understand your options. These benefits can make a meaningful difference in your financial well-being.