Virginia Newly Widowed Individuals Package

In most cases, a widow or widower qualifies for survivor benefits if he or she is at least 60 and had been married to the deceased for at least nine months at the time of death.If you are caring for children from the marriage who are under 16 or disabled, you can apply at any age.

Widow or widower, full retirement age or older100 percent of your benefit amount. Widow or widower, age 60 to full retirement age71½ to 99 percent of your basic amount. Disabled widow or widower, age 50 through 5971A½ percent. Widow or widower, any age, caring for a child under age 1675 percent.

If you are the widow or widower of a person who worked long enough under Social Security, you can: Receive full benefits at full retirement age for survivors or reduced benefits as early as age 60.

These are examples of monthly benefit payments: Widow or widower, full retirement age or older100 percent of your benefit amount. Widow or widower, age 60 to full retirement age71½ to 99 percent of your basic amount. Disabled widow or widower, age 50 through 5971A½ percent.

The earliest a widow or widower can start receiving Social Security survivors benefits based on age will remain at age 60. Widows or widowers benefits based on age can start any time between age 60 and full retirement age as a survivor.

Spousal benefits are based on a living spouse or ex-spouse's work history. Survivor benefits are based on a deceased spouse or ex-spouse's work history. The maximum spousal benefit is 50% of the worker's full retirement age (FRA) benefit.

It takes 30 to 60 days for survivors benefits payments to start after they are approved, according to the agency's website.