$1,316 Social Security Payments for Widows and Widowers – How to Qualify and Claim Your Benefits

If you’ve recently lost a spouse, the emotional toll can feel overwhelming—and so can the financial uncertainty. One important benefit that many surviving spouses may be eligible for is the Social Security survivor benefit, which averages around $1,316 per month as of April 2025. This support can provide vital financial relief while you work through your next steps.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to qualify, how much you could receive, how to apply, and what mistakes to avoid. Whether you’re newly widowed or navigating long-term survivor benefits, knowing the process can make all the difference.

What

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Survivor benefits are monthly payments from the Social Security Administration (SSA) to spouses, children, or sometimes dependent parents of a deceased worker. These benefits are based on the deceased person’s work record and are meant to provide income support after the loss of a breadwinner.

Unlike retirement or disability benefits, survivor benefits are unique in that they are only triggered by a qualifying death. They’re designed to ease financial burdens and keep families stable through difficult times.

Why

The current average monthly survivor benefit for widows and widowers is $1,316.11, as of April 2025. But this amount can vary. Some people may receive significantly more or less, depending on:

• The deceased spouse’s lifetime earnings
• The age at which the surviving spouse claims benefits
• Whether other benefits are being claimed at the same time

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In some cases, benefits can exceed $2,000 per month, while others might fall below $1,000.

Qualify

Here’s a breakdown of who qualifies for survivor benefits:

Age Requirements

• 60 or older: Full survivor benefits are available
• 50 or older and disabled: Benefits start earlier for those with qualifying disabilities
• Any age: If caring for a child under 16 or disabled, you’re eligible regardless of your own age

Marriage Requirements

• You must have been married to the deceased for at least nine months
• Exceptions apply if death was due to an accident or military service

Remarriage Rules

• You cannot remarry before age 60 (or 50 if disabled) and still receive survivor benefits
• Remarrying after those ages does not affect your eligibility

Divorced Spouses

• Must have been married to the deceased for at least 10 years
• Must meet the same age and marital status criteria

This inclusion of divorced spouses can be a major help for older individuals living independently after long-term marriages.

Amount

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Your actual benefit amount depends on several factors. If you wait until full retirement age, you may receive 100% of your late spouse’s benefit. If you apply earlier, the amount will be reduced.

Use the SSA’s Survivors Benefit Calculator to estimate what you might receive based on your situation.

Apply

Applying for survivor benefits requires a few key steps. There’s no online application—so you’ll need to contact SSA directly.

Step 1

Be prepared with:

• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificate
• Death certificate of your spouse
• Social Security numbers for both you and your spouse
• Recent W-2s or self-employment tax returns

Step 2

You can apply in two ways:

• Call 1-800-772-1213
• Visit your local SSA office (use the SSA Office Locator online)

Step 3

You’ll be asked a series of questions and must provide the original or certified copies of required documents. Applying quickly is key—waiting can lead to lost months of benefits.

Law

For those who worked in non-covered government jobs, two laws used to reduce survivor benefits:

• GPO (Government Pension Offset)
• WEP (Windfall Elimination Provision)

These laws are now under review with the proposed Social Security Fairness Act, which seeks to repeal both. If passed, this would allow thousands of public service workers like teachers and police officers to receive full survivor benefits.

Avoid

Here are some common mistakes you’ll want to avoid:

• Delaying your application: Late filing could mean lost benefits
• Remarrying too early: It could disqualify you
• Missing benefits for children: Kids under 18 may also be eligible
• Filing with missing documents: This can delay your application
• Overlooking alternative benefit options: Sometimes your own benefit might be higher than survivor benefits

Taking the time to prepare and apply properly ensures you receive the help you deserve at a time you need it most.

FAQs