United States Social Security spouse and survivor benefits
United States Social Security Family benefits and Survivor benefits have different spouse eligibility rules and depend on the worker’s record.
- General spousal starting age
- 62, with caregiving exceptionsSSA, Family benefits eligibility
- General survivor starting age
- 60; 50–59 with a disabilitySSA, Survivor benefits eligibility
Spousal eligibility
SSA states that spouses of someone entitled to Retirement or Disability may qualify for Family benefits after at least one year of marriage if aged 62 or older, caring for a child aged 15 or younger, or caring for a child of any age who has a disability. Ex-spouses married for at least 10 years may qualify. SSA, Family benefits eligibility (opens in a new tab).
How Family benefits interact
Family benefits can be up to half of the worker’s benefit at Full Retirement Age. SSA pays the highest eligible amount when a person also qualifies for other Social Security benefits, rather than adding the payment amounts together. Applying earlier can affect the payment amount. SSA, Family benefits amounts (opens in a new tab).
Survivor eligibility
A surviving spouse may qualify at age 60 or older, or age 50–59 with a disability, generally after at least nine months of marriage and without remarriage before age 60, or age 50 with a disability. Ex-spouses married for at least 10 years may qualify. Exceptions can apply regardless of age or marriage duration, including care of the deceased person’s child. SSA, Survivor benefits eligibility (opens in a new tab).
Scope
This guide describes basic spouse and survivor eligibility without projecting payment amounts. It excludes an individual entitlement decision, benefit estimate, claiming strategy and tax treatment. General information only, not personalised retirement advice.