The Social Security Administration (SSA) provides financial support to surviving spouses, including those who were legally divorced, as long as certain eligibility requirements are met. These survivor benefits are designed to help families manage their financial responsibilities after the death of a worker who was fully or currently insured.
Along with monthly survivor payments, the SSA also offers a one-time lump-sum death benefit of $255 to eligible surviving spouses. The agency recommends contacting them as early as possible to discuss the lump-sum payment and ongoing monthly survivor benefits available for you or your family. The SSA can be reached at 1-800-772-1213.
SSA Lump-Sum Death Benefit
According to the SSA, a lump-sum death payment may be issued based on the work record of someone who passes away while being fully or currently insured. This amount is paid in addition to any survivor’s insurance benefits the family may qualify for.
Eligibility Requirements for Survivor Benefits
Who Can Apply?
Surviving spouses may qualify for Social Security survivor benefits under several different conditions:
1. Caring for a Child
A surviving spouse can receive benefits at any age if they are caregiving for the deceased worker’s child who is:
- Under 16 years old, or
- Disabled before age 22
2. Disability-Based Eligibility
A surviving spouse may start receiving payments as early as age 50 if they have a qualifying disability or are unable to work.
3. Age-Based Eligibility
Most surviving spouses can begin benefits at age 60 or older, even without caregiving responsibilities or disabilities.
Working While Receiving Survivor Benefits
Survivors who continue working may still qualify for benefits. However, if you are below full retirement age (FRA) — which is currently 66 years and 10 months — your earnings are subject to a limit. Making more than the limit may temporarily reduce your monthly benefits.
How Much Money Can Surviving Spouses Receive?
Benefit Calculation
If you already collect Social Security retirement or disability benefits, you may still be eligible for a larger survivor benefit based on your deceased spouse’s work record.
However, you cannot receive both payments. Instead, the SSA will provide the higher benefit amount to ensure you receive the maximum support you qualify for.
Surviving spouses typically receive 71.5% to 100% of their late spouse’s Social Security benefit, depending on:
- The survivor’s age
- The deceased spouse’s lifetime earnings
- The type of survivor benefit being claimed
How to Apply for Survivor Benefits
Eligible individuals cannot apply online for survivor payments. Instead, an appointment must be made by calling the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. Representatives can guide applicants through:
- Benefit options
- Eligibility questions
- The best time to file for the highest payment
Divorced individuals may also qualify for survivor benefits if they meet specific SSA criteria.
Many seniors are looking for clarity as year-end payments approach, and the recent update titled Social Security Confirms December 2025 Payments for 70-Year-Olds — Who Will Receive Up to $2,389 Next? offers important guidance. This announcement explains how age, work history, and filing timing determine whether a recipient qualifies for the maximum monthly benefit. The update also helps retirees understand when their December payments will arrive and what factors influence the final amount, ensuring older adults can plan their finances with confidence.
Conclusion
The Social Security survivor benefits program provides essential financial help to surviving spouses, including divorced partners, who meet specific age, caregiving, or disability requirements. With monthly payments and a $255 lump-sum death benefit, the SSA ensures families have support during a difficult period. Since factors such as full retirement age, earnings limits, and benefit percentages play a major role, contacting the SSA directly remains the best way to understand your full eligibility and secure the highest possible survivor benefit.
FAQs
1. Can divorced spouses qualify for SSA survivor benefits?
Yes. Divorced spouses may be eligible if they meet the SSA’s rules regarding the marriage duration, age, and benefit criteria.
2. Do survivor benefits decrease if I am working?
If you are younger than full retirement age and earn more than the annual limit, your survivor benefits may be temporarily reduced.
3. Can I apply for survivor benefits online?
No. Applications must be completed by phone or appointment. Call 1-800-772-1213 to schedule.