Get Widow Pension Application Form

The minimum you can receive is 71.5% of the deceased's benefit if you are age 60 (50 if you are disabled) when you claim the survivor's benefit . The maximum you can receive as a surviving spouse is up to 100% of the deceased's benefit if you claim the survivors benefit at the widow(er)s Full Retirement Age (FRA).

Certain family members may be eligible to receive monthly benefits, including: A widow or widower age 60 or older (age 50 or older if disabled). A surviving divorced spouse, under certain circumstances.

You can apply for benefits by calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting your local Social Security office. An appointment is not required, but if you call ahead and schedule one, it may reduce the time you spend waiting to apply.

Widows and widowers can receive: Reduced benefits as early as age 60 or full benefits at full retirement age or older. If widows or widowers qualify for retirement benefits on their own record, they can switch to their own retirement benefit as early as age 62.

A widow, widower, or surviving divorced spouse cannot apply online for survivors benefits. You should contact Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 to request an appointment. (If you are deaf or hard of hearing, call our TTY number at 1-800-325-0778.)

Be at least 60 years old. Be the widow or widower of a fully insured worker. Have been married at least 9 months to the deceased. Not be entitled to an equal or higher Social Security retirement benefit based on your own work.

Be at least age 60. Be the widow or widower of a fully insured worker. Meet the marriage duration requirement. Be unmarried, unless the marriage can be disregarded.

Widow or widower, full retirement age or older 100 percent of your benefit amount. Widow or widower, age 60 to full retirement age 71½ to 99 percent of your basic amount. Disabled widow or widower, age 50 through 59 71½ percent.

In general, a widow or widower age 60 or older (age 50 or older if disabled) is eligible provided you were married at least nine months. However, there's no age limit if you're caring for dependent children under age 16.