If you’ve lost a spouse, you may be wondering: Can you collect Social Security survivor benefits now and switch to your own benefits later? The short answer is yes, and this strategy could help you maximize your lifetime Social Security income. But like all things related to Social Security, the details matter.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about claiming survivor benefits first and switching to your own later, including how it works, who qualifies, and when it makes the most financial sense.
Collect Survivor Benefits Now
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Survivor Benefits Start Age | Age 60 (or 50 if disabled); 50-59 for disabled survivors |
| Switching Strategy | You can start with survivor benefits and later switch to your own retirement benefits (or vice versa) |
| Best Use Case | When one benefit is lower initially and the other increases over time (e.g., waiting until 70 for maximum retirement benefits) |
| Official Source | Social Security Administration – Survivor Benefits |
| Tax Implications | Survivor benefits may be taxable based on income level |
| Full Retirement Age (FRA) | 66 to 67 depending on birth year |
| Why This Matters | Smart timing can boost your total lifetime benefit by thousands of dollars |
This smart timing strategy could mean thousands of extra dollars in lifetime benefits. The key is understanding your options, planning carefully, and contacting the Social Security Administration when you’re ready to make the switch. Whether you’re planning your own retirement or helping a loved one, this approach offers both financial flexibility and security during a challenging time.
Understanding Social Security Survivor Benefits
Social Security survivor benefits are monthly payments available to the widow or widower (and sometimes other family members) of a deceased worker who earned enough work credits.
You can claim reduced survivor benefits as early as age 60, or as early as 50 if you’re disabled. But here’s the part many people don’t know: you don’t have to take both your survivor and retirement benefits at the same time.
see also: Your Tax Refund Might Shrink! 3 Ways the IRS Can Reduce It Without Warning
How Claiming One Benefit First Can Help
Let’s say you’re eligible for both survivor benefits and your own Social Security retirement benefits. The Social Security Administration (SSA) allows you to claim one first and switch to the other later. This gives you a way to optimize your benefits and increase your lifetime payout.
Scenario 1: Claim Survivor Benefits First, Switch to Your Own Later
This is a popular strategy if your own retirement benefit will be higher at a later age.
Example:
- Mary is 60 and her husband passed away at 65.
- She qualifies for $1,200/month in survivor benefits now.
- Her own retirement benefit would be $2,000/month at age 67.
- Mary claims survivor benefits now, letting her own benefit grow until full retirement age (FRA) or even age 70.
- At 67 (or 70), she switches to her higher retirement benefit.
Result: She gets income now, and a larger monthly benefit later.
Scenario 2: Claim Your Own Retirement Benefit First, Then Switch to Survivor Benefits
If the survivor benefit is larger, but you’re too young to claim it without major reductions, you might take your own reduced retirement benefit early and switch to full survivor benefits at FRA.
Example:
- John is 62 and eligible for his own Social Security benefit of $1,300/month.
- His wife passed away, and his full survivor benefit is $2,100/month.
- He claims his own benefits now and switches to the survivor benefit at 66 (his FRA).
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for survivor benefits, you must meet the following:
- You were married to the deceased for at least 9 months.
- You’re age 60 or older (or 50 if disabled).
- You have not remarried before age 60.
- Your deceased spouse earned enough credits under Social Security.
You can even qualify if you were divorced, as long as the marriage lasted at least 10 years.
How Much Will You Receive?
The survivor benefit amount depends on:
- The deceased spouse’s earnings record.
- Your age at the time of claiming.
- Whether you’re caring for a child under 16 or disabled.
Claiming before your full retirement age (FRA) will result in a reduction, just like retirement benefits. For example:
- At age 60, you’ll get about 71.5% of the full survivor benefit.
- If you wait until your FRA (66–67), you’ll receive 100%.
What About Delaying to Age 70?
Unlike retirement benefits, survivor benefits do not grow past full retirement age. So there’s no incentive to delay claiming survivor benefits past FRA.
However, your own retirement benefits can increase by 8% each year you delay past FRA, up to age 70.
That’s why a common strategy is Claim survivor benefits now and delay your own retirement benefit to age 70.
Tax and Earnings Considerations
Taxation of Benefits
Social Security benefits, including survivor benefits, may be taxable if your income is above certain thresholds:
- Up to 50% of your benefits may be taxable if your income is between $25,000 and $34,000 (individual).
- Up to 85% of your benefits may be taxable if your income is above $34,000.
Working While Receiving Benefits
If you’re under FRA and working while receiving benefits, your payments might be reduced:
- In 2025, you can earn up to $22,320/year before the SSA starts withholding $1 for every $2 earned over the limit.
- Once you reach FRA, there’s no penalty for working and receiving Social Security.
How to Apply and Switch Benefits
Step-by-Step Guide
- Determine Eligibility
Use SSA’s benefit calculators: https://www.ssa.gov/benefits/calculators/ - Apply for Survivor or Retirement Benefits
You can’t apply for survivor benefits online if you’re already receiving retirement benefits. Call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or visit your local office. - Track Your Benefits
Open a mySocialSecurity account to manage your payments and plan your switch. - Switch When Ready
You must contact SSA to switch benefits. It doesn’t happen automatically.
see also: Self-Employed? These Are the Most Generous Tax Deductions You Don’t Want to Miss
Collect Survivor Benefits FAQs
Can I receive both survivor and retirement benefits at the same time?
No, you can only receive one type of benefit at a time, but you can switch between them.
Is there a penalty for switching benefits later?
No. As long as you’re eligible, switching benefits is allowed and often financially beneficial.
Do I need to repay the previous benefits to switch?
No. There is no repayment involved when switching from survivor to retirement benefits (or vice versa).
Can I get survivor benefits if I was divorced?
Yes, if your marriage lasted 10 years or more and you did not remarry before age 60.
