Oftentimes, when people think of survivor benefits, they think of an additional paycheck that will help cover the expenses the former spouse would have covered. However, this is not always the case, especially when it comes to surviving seniors.

According to the Social Security Administration, 50% of married beneficiaries rely on their benefits for a large portion of their income. However, when one of the married beneficiaries passes away, this income shrinks.

Survivor Benefits And Social Security Beneficiaries

After a spouse passes, surviving seniors should apply for survivor benefits. However, this process does not necessarily mean that the surviving spouse will be getting a larger paycheck; and they certainly won’t be getting an additional paycheck each month.

Rather, when both spouses are Social Security beneficiaries, the surviving spouse is left with a large change to their monthly income. Either, Social Security will continue paying the surviving spouse the payment of their own benefits, or they will change the payment to a survivor’s benefit offered, not both.

A Growing Problem

Although surviving seniors are paid the higher of the two options, it is not enough. The change in income is becoming more and more problematic for surviving seniors.

Reports have shown that individuals are taking on more financial responsibilities than ever before. This increased financial burden is resulting in average monthly spending of roughly $3,800 for senior citizens.

However, the average survivor payment is only $1,253 a month. This is not enough. Senior citizens often rely on fixed incomes, making any subtraction from their income feel even more devastating.

That is why we must take a stand to help.

How We Can Help

Senior Security Alliance is working to pass a groundbreaking bill that provides senior citizens with seven guarantees. These guarantees are written to help seniors feel more financially secure throughout their retirement.

Right #6 ensures survivors “will no longer have their benefits reduced when one member of the household passes away.”

Take a stand and become a part of history by letting the politicians in Washington know that senior citizens deserve more.