Skip to content
English
Contact Support
Contact us
  • There are no suggestions because the search field is empty.

What happens if you file for a survivor benefit before full retirement age?

While there is a penalty for claiming widow(er) benefits prior to full retirement age, it may be prudent to claim earlier in certain situations.

Claiming survivor benefits before full retirement age

A widow or widower can generally begin survivor benefits at age 60, or as early as 50 if eligible based on disability. Claiming before survivor full retirement age (FRA) usually reduces the monthly amount. Eligibility, remarriage, and the deceased worker's benefit history can affect the result.

The age-60 survivor rate generally starts at 71.5% of the applicable unreduced amount and increases for later election months up to survivor FRA. This is the percentage paid, not the amount reduced each month. Survivor FRA depends on the claimant's birth year and can differ from retirement FRA.

For example, survivor FRA for a person born in 1960 is 66 years and 8 months; for a person born in 1962 or later it is 67. Survivor benefits do not earn delayed retirement credits after survivor FRA. The claimant's own retirement benefit can continue earning delayed retirement credits up to age 70.

Review both benefit paths

In some cases, receiving survivor benefits first and switching to a larger retirement benefit later can be useful. Other clients may benefit from the reverse sequence. Compare both paths using the client's actual benefit information, longevity, work earnings, and income needs.

Enter survivor information in Covisum Suite

  1. Select the client in Covisum Suite. Under client Details, select Widowed and enter the deceased spouse's birth and death dates.
  2. Open Social Security Timing > Benefits.
  3. Enter the client's own benefit information and statement date.
  4. Enter the monthly benefit the client would receive if electing widow's benefits at FRA and the Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) of the deceased. These amounts are not always the same. Confirm them with SSA.
  5. Review relevant incomes and assumptions, then select Results. Compare the claim instructions and cash flows for the available strategies.

This screenshot uses a synthetic sample client. Use the client's confirmed benefit amounts for an actual analysis. Work earnings before the applicable earnings-test FRA can temporarily reduce payments; see Earnings Test Explained.

Applying for survivor benefits

Contact SSA at 1-800-772-1213 or a local Social Security office. SSA may request proof of death, marriage or divorce records, and identifying information. Confirm the required documents and the election month directly with SSA.

Sources: SSA survivor benefit amounts; SSA full retirement age rules.