Who Qualifies for a Widow’s Pension?

Under the 1939 amendments to the Social Security Act, surviving spouses are not the only ones eligible for survivor benefits—also known as a widow’s pension. Other parties close to the deceased may claim Social Security benefits on their record. So, the Social Security Administration must set specific rules for widow’s pension payments to determien who gets what. Below is an overview of eligibility and payment calculations.

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What Is a Widow’s Pension?

A widow’s pension generally refers to monthly financial support available to an eligible surviving spouse after their partner dies. In the United States, people commonly use the term to describe Social Security survivor benefits, which are based on the deceased spouse’s work record. Despite the name, these benefits are available to qualifying widowers as well as widows.

The purpose of these payments is to help replace income lost when a spouse dies. To qualify, the deceased spouse must have worked long enough in jobs covered by Social Security, while the surviving spouse must meet applicable age, marriage and other eligibility requirements. A surviving spouse does not necessarily need their own work history to receive benefits on the deceased spouse’s record.

Surviving spouses can generally begin receiving benefits at age 60, or as early as age 50 if they have a qualifying disability. Benefits may also be available at any age to someone caring for the deceased worker’s child who is younger than 16 or has a qualifying disability. Different rules apply to each situation, so losing a spouse does not automatically make someone eligible for immediate payments.

The monthly amount depends on the deceased spouse’s earnings history and when the survivor claims benefits, among other factors. Claiming before your survivor full retirement age generally reduces the payment, while waiting until that age can provide up to 100% of the applicable deceased spouse’s benefit. If you also qualify for Social Security retirement benefits, you generally receive the higher eligible amount rather than both full payments combined.

Who Can Receive a Widow’s Pension?

A widow or widower generally can receive survivor benefits beginning at age 60. If you have a qualifying disability, you may be eligible as early as age 50. Claiming benefits before your full retirement age generally reduces your monthly payment. Waiting until full retirement age generally allows you to receive your full survivor benefit. If your disability began before or within seven years of your spouse’s death, different eligibility rules may apply. If you remarry after age 60, or after age 50 if you have a qualifying disability, you generally won’t see a change to your survivor benefits.

A surviving divorced spouse also may qualify if the marriage lasted at least 10 years You must generally be at least age 60, or age 50 if you have a qualifying disability. As with surviving spouses, claiming before full retirement age generally reduces the benefit amount. Domestic partners generally are not eligible for Social Security survivor benefits based solely on the domestic partnership.

You may also qualify for survivor benefits at any age if you are caring for the deceased worker’s child who is under age 16 or has a qualifying disability. A surviving divorced spouse caring for the worker’s qualifying child does not have to meet the 10-year marriage requirement.

How Much Is a Widow’s Pension?

The amount you receive largely depends on your relationship to the deceased worker. However, the age when you claim benefits and your individual financial circumstances play a role, too. In general, the worker must have earned enough Social Security credits for survivor benefits to be available. The number of credits required depends on the worker’s age at death.

The percentages below represent the share of the deceased worker’s benefit that an eligible survivor may receive: ¹

• Widow or widower at full retirement age or older: 100%
• Widow or widower age 60 through the day before full retirement age: 71% to 99%
• Widow or widower of any age caring for the deceased worker’s child under age 16 or with a qualifying disability: 75%
• Disabled widow or widower ages 50 through 59: 71%
• Eligible child under age 18, or up to age 19 if still attending elementary or secondary school full time, or an adult child with a qualifying disability that began before age 22: 75%
• One surviving dependent parent age 62 or older: 82.5%
• Two surviving dependent parents age 62 or older: 75% each

How to Apply for Survivor Benefits

The Social Security Administration does not pay survivor benefits automatically. You generally must apply with the Social Security Administration and provide documents such as a death certificate, proof of your relationship to the deceased worker and other identifying information. Depending on your situation, you also may need documents related to a divorce, disability or dependent children.

To apply for Social Security survivor benefits, call the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or contact your local Social Security office to arrange an appointment. You cannot currently apply for these benefits online. A representative can review your eligibility and explain the application process.

Before your appointment, gather your Social Security number, your deceased spouse’s Social Security number and information about your marriage. Social Security may request a death certificate, your birth certificate, your marriage certificate and recent W-2 forms or self-employment tax returns. If you are applying as a surviving divorced spouse, you may also need your final divorce decree.

Do not postpone contacting Social Security because you are missing paperwork; the agency can help you obtain necessary documents. It generally requires originals of documents such as birth certificates, but accepts photocopies of certain tax and medical records. Have your bank account and routing numbers available to set up direct deposit.

During the application process, ask how your proposed starting date will affect your monthly payment and how survivor benefits compare with retirement benefits on your own record. You may be able to claim one benefit first and switch to the other later if doing so increases your income. Social Security does not add the two full benefit amounts together, making the timing of your claim an important part of the decision.

Bottom Line

A widow’s pension, commonly referring to Social Security survivor benefits, can help replace lost household income after a spouse dies. Eligibility and payment amounts depend on factors such as your age, marriage history and your spouse’s work record. Understanding when to claim and how survivor benefits coordinate with your own retirement benefits can help you make a decision that supports both your immediate needs and long-term financial security.

Retirement Planning Tips

• A financial advisor can offer valuable guidance and insight as you consider how to approach retirement. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
• Retirement planning can be as complicated as it is important. Use SmartAsset’s retirement calculator to take a look at different possible scenarios regarding your Social Security benefits.

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