Am I Eligible for Social Security Benefits as a Surviving Spouse?

Social Security survivor benefits present an important source of income for many. But, there are several important and unique issues that must be considered for anyone that has recently lost their spouse or ex-spouse, before filing a claim to collect Social Security benefits.

To help make the analysis easier, check out our flowchart, “Am I Eligible for Social Security Benefits as a Surviving Spouse?” It addresses many common Social Security issues that arise for those who have recently lost their spouse or ex-spouse, including:

  • Eligibility and age considerations
  • Length of marriage rules
  • Age that benefits can be collected by the survivor
  • Surviving spouse vs. surviving ex-spouse implications
  • Impact of a remarriage
  • Impact of having children
  • Impact of a disability

You may be referred to additional flowcharts, which can be found here:

Am I Eligible for Social Security Benefits if I Have Been Divorced?

Am I Eligible for Social Security Benefits as a Spouse?

Please remember that different types of investments involve varying degrees of risk, and there can be no assurance that the future performance of any specific investment, investment strategy, or product made reference to directly or indirectly in this content, will be profitable, equal any corresponding indicated historical performance level(s), or be suitable for you or your portfolio. Due to various factors, including changing market conditions, the content may no longer be reflective of current opinions or positions. Moreover, you should not assume that any discussion or information contained in this newsletter (article) serves as the receipt of, or as a substitute for, personalized investment advice from Searcy Financial Services, Inc.

The content of this letter does not constitute a tax or legal opinion. Always consult with a competent professional service provider for advice on tax or legal matters specific to your situation. To the extent that a reader has any questions regarding the applicability of any specific issue discussed in this content, he/she is encouraged to consult with the professional advisor of his/her choosing.  

Published for the blog on August 19, 2022 by Searcy Financial Services, your Overland Park, Kansas Fee-Only Financial Planner and Investment Manager.