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By Frank Flores, founder of FamiliaLista · Updated November 3, 2026

Widows and widowers: survivor benefit or your own retirement first?

If you're a widow or widower who qualifies for both a survivor benefit and your own retirement benefit, Social Security pays one, not the two added together. But you can choose which one to take first and switch later. Social Security's own example: start with the survivor benefit and change to your retirement benefit at 70, when it's highest. Ask them to compare both before you sign anything.

Can I get both?

No. If you qualify for a survivor benefit and another benefit, you choose the payment that's best for you, and the payments aren't added together. You can also switch benefits later. Source: SSA, what you could get from survivor benefits.

How does taking one first work?

Survivor benefit first, your own retirement later. Social Security's example is starting with survivor benefits and changing to retirement at 70, when that payment is highest. While you wait, your own retirement benefit grows with delayed retirement credits, up to age 70.
Say so on the application. An application usually covers every benefit you qualify for unless you limit it. A widow or widower can limit it to the survivor benefit only, and ask that it not count as an application for retirement on their own record.
Ask for both numbers. Which order is best depends on your two amounts and your age, so ask Social Security to show you each one.

Sources: SSA, what you could get from survivor benefits, SSA OIG audit report 032409, SSA POMS GN 00204.020, scope of the application.

How much is the survivor benefit?

You can start a reduced survivor benefit as early as 60 (50 if you have a disability). It starts at 71.5% of your spouse's benefit and goes up the longer you wait, up to 100% at your full retirement age for survivor benefits, which is between 66 and 67. Sources: SSA, Survivors Benefits (EN-05-10084), SSA, what you could get from survivor benefits.

What did the inspector general find?

In April 2026, an audit by Social Security's inspector general reported that it couldn't confirm widows and widowers had been told they could file for the survivor benefit only and delay their retirement benefit. It estimated that 5,367 widows and widowers could have received about $113.8 million more if they had waited to claim retirement until 70. The same audit estimated that 8,618 widows and widowers whose spouses died before 62 were underpaid about $50.4 million because of a calculation error. Earlier audits found similar problems, and Social Security agreed to the fixes the inspector general recommended. Sources: SSA Office of the Inspector General, April 23, 2026, SSA OIG audit report 032409.

What if I remarry?

Remarrying before 60 (50 with a disability) usually means you can't get the survivor benefit. Remarrying at 60 or later doesn't stop it. At 62 or older, you can get benefits on your new spouse's record if those would be higher. Source: SSA, Survivors Benefits (EN-05-10084).

What if I'm still working?

If you get survivor benefits before full retirement age, there may be an earnings limit depending on your age. Earning above it temporarily reduces your payment. Source: SSA, what you could get from survivor benefits.

What to ask on the call

[ ] What is my survivor benefit now, and at my full retirement age for survivors?
[ ] What is my own retirement benefit now, at full retirement age, and at 70?
[ ] Can I take one now and switch to the other later?
[ ] Can I limit this application to the survivor benefit only?
[ ] Please note in my file what we discussed about my filing options.

Call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visit any Social Security office. For who qualifies and the documents, see Social Security survivor benefits and the documents checklist. Source: SSA, Survivors Benefits (EN-05-10084).

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Frequently asked questions

Can I get my survivor benefit and my own retirement benefit at the same time?

No. Social Security pays one, the one that's best for you, and you can switch later.

Can I start the survivor benefit and switch to my own retirement at 70?

Yes. That's the example Social Security itself gives. Your retirement benefit grows with delayed retirement credits until 70.

I already get both. What if no one explained my options?

Call Social Security and ask them to review your filing options. In 2026 the inspector general recommended that Social Security correct benefits for the widows and widowers it identified, and Social Security agreed.

Is this legal or financial advice?

No. It's general information from Social Security. Social Security decides who qualifies and how much.

Sources

General information, not legal or financial advice. Rules change; check the official sources above or talk to a licensed professional about your situation.