Randall, in order for your wife to be eligible for spousal benefits, you need to have already filed for your own benefits. If that's the case and your wife is at least 62 years old, she can apply for her spousal benefit.
Proof of death — either from a funeral home or a death certificate. Your SSN, and the deceased worker's SSN. Your birth certificate. Your marriage certificate if you're a surviving spouse.
If you don't have enough Social Security credits to get benefits on your own work record or your own benefit is small, you may be able to receive benefits as a spouse. Your spouse must be receiving benefits for you to get benefits on their work record.
Documents you may need to provide Proof of the worker's death; Birth certificate or other proof of birth; Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful alien status if you were not born in the United States More Info; U.S. military discharge paper(s) if you had military service before 1968;
If you are a widow (or your ex-spouse died), you may be eligible to receive benefits on your late spouse's, or ex-spouse's, Social Security record. How much you receive will depend on your age, the amount of benefits you may receive on your own record, and whether you have dependent children.
Spouses and ex-spouses Payments start at 71.5% of your spouse's benefit and increase the longer you wait to apply. For example, you might get: Over 75% at age 61.
This Social Security Spousal Rule Finally Fizzled Out in 2024 — But These 3 Strategies Remain. A Social Security spousal rule that was around for decades ended this year for the last eligible retirees — those who turned 70 on Jan. 1, 2024.
The first exception, which can be deemed as the Social Security spousal benefits loophole, works where an individual who remarries at 60 or later may still be entitled to Social Security survivors' benefits if the second marriage ends before the death of the first spouse.
Our website is the best way for most people to get help. our website, call our National 800 Number (1-800-772-1213) or your local Social Security office for help. We will schedule an appointment to serve you by phone or in person.