Social Security for Spouses and Survivors: 2024 Update (USA)

Update: Social Security in the USA offers vital benefits for spouses and survivors, essential for both married individuals and those who have lost loved ones.

[{"selector":"#anim-2ae8a70d-8b67-41f3-8f41-207aeeb4fbe1 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-541d5342-de58-4d4e-947a-11b8938411ef","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(1)","scale(1.5)","scale(0.95)","scale(1)"],"offset":[0,0.33,0.66,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1450,"easing":"ease-in-out","fill":"both","iterations":1}] [{"selector":"#anim-f1dee0ae-201a-4cdb-8c84-ae30b41be81f","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(1)","scale(1.5)","scale(0.95)","scale(1)"],"offset":[0,0.33,0.66,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1450,"easing":"ease-in-out","fill":"both","iterations":1}] Spousal benefits: Claim part of partner's Social Security for financial support in retirement, aiding non-working or lower-earning spouses.

[{"selector":"#anim-82b9ad0d-eaeb-47d8-a6f5-7423540ce4c6 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-59312eaa-e7c6-4287-8707-b13f606f1dd0","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(1)","scale(1.5)","scale(0.95)","scale(1)"],"offset":[0,0.33,0.66,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1450,"easing":"ease-in-out","fill":"both","iterations":1}] [{"selector":"#anim-64f61dcc-9fde-4981-ab9a-81b3ff34112c","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(1)","scale(1.5)","scale(0.95)","scale(1)"],"offset":[0,0.33,0.66,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1450,"easing":"ease-in-out","fill":"both","iterations":1}] To qualify for spousal benefits, you must be married for at least one year. If divorced, you may still be eligible if the marriage lasted at least 10 years and you remain unmarried.

[{"selector":"#anim-05542656-8477-4f74-935b-847222435205 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-86902d72-9614-4d6a-99a0-44c49771aa21","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(1)","scale(1.5)","scale(0.95)","scale(1)"],"offset":[0,0.33,0.66,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1450,"easing":"ease-in-out","fill":"both","iterations":1}] [{"selector":"#anim-759fc155-f378-4e26-b45a-04738514462f","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(1)","scale(1.5)","scale(0.95)","scale(1)"],"offset":[0,0.33,0.66,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1450,"easing":"ease-in-out","fill":"both","iterations":1}] Survivor benefits aid widows, widowers, & dependent children of Social Security contributors, easing financial strain in tough times.

[{"selector":"#anim-e920b29d-ab72-42dc-a8a3-c9b87612455b [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(25%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-e0707300-686f-43a2-ae80-8e20cc36afbf","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(1)","scale(1.5)","scale(0.95)","scale(1)"],"offset":[0,0.33,0.66,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1450,"easing":"ease-in-out","fill":"both","iterations":1}] [{"selector":"#anim-fa648589-a1c0-49ea-9193-2e31250ae436","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(1)","scale(1.5)","scale(0.95)","scale(1)"],"offset":[0,0.33,0.66,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1450,"easing":"ease-in-out","fill":"both","iterations":1}] To qualify for survivor benefits, you must have been married to the deceased for at least nine months, or be caring for their child who is under 16 (or disabled).

[{"selector":"#anim-0f4a9880-451c-4f48-b86f-738291867b35 [data-leaf-element=\"true\"]","keyframes":{"transform":["translate(0%, 0%) scale(1.5)","translate(0%, 0%) scale(1)"]},"delay":0,"duration":2000,"easing":"cubic-bezier(.3,0,.55,1)","fill":"forwards"}] [{"selector":"#anim-848685b0-6f97-4e1e-bba4-22766cbf1f29","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(1)","scale(1.5)","scale(0.95)","scale(1)"],"offset":[0,0.33,0.66,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1450,"easing":"ease-in-out","fill":"both","iterations":1}] [{"selector":"#anim-2c2050cb-9c63-4712-923c-f90558b64b91","keyframes":{"transform":["scale(1)","scale(1.5)","scale(0.95)","scale(1)"],"offset":[0,0.33,0.66,1]},"delay":0,"duration":1450,"easing":"ease-in-out","fill":"both","iterations":1}] The amount of spousal or survivor benefits you receive depends on various factors, including your age, the deceased spouse's earnings, and your own work history. Learn more