This week, we will continue our deep dive into The Senior Citizens Bill of Rights by taking a look at right number 6. This right reads as follows:

“A married couple will no longer have their earned benefits reduced when one member of the household passes away. The surviving spouse will continue to receive the same amount of benefits as previously earned, by said household.”

Survivor Benefits

To better understand what right 6 entails, we first need get a better understanding of survivor benefits.

Survivor benefits are Social Security payments made to “the surviving spouse, child, or parent of a worker who dies” ssa.gov explains.

These benefit payments can be helpful for many, but sometimes they are not enough.

The Problem

Many married senior citizens have grown accustomed to a way of life that is funded by 2 sets of monthly benefits. However, survivor benefits do not provide the surviving spouse with the same household income.

Rather, the surviving spouse will receive the higher of the 2 payments—either their own benefit payment or the survivor benefits. Because of this, the overall household income shrinks, forcing the surviving spouse to adjust their life even more and during a time of anguish.

Additionally, individuals are taking on more financial responsibilities than ever before, resulting in average monthly spending of roughly $3,800. This means that the average survivor payment, $1,253 a month, is not enough.

Be a Part of the Solution

At a time when individuals should be concerned about their own health and well-being as they grieve, surviving spouses are often left to make big changes in their life due to a now inadequate income. This is unjust.

Senior citizens deserve financial security. That is why Senior Security Alliance is urging politicians in Washington to pass our revolutionary bill – The Senior Citizens Bill of Rights. For information on how you can help, check out our petition.