NJ.com answered a question a reader asked about Social Security and survivor benefits.

According to the answer posted, the surviving spouse will not receive both benefits. Rather, the surviving spouse will need to apply to receive survivor benefits.

The surviving spouse will then be told if their current benefits are more than the payment they would receive from the qualifying survivor benefits. They will be receiving the greater between the two.

If this seems strange or unfair, we agree.

Currently, Senior Security Alliance is pushing the politicians in Washington to pass The Senior Citizens Bill of Rights. Right Number 6 guarantees “married couples will no longer have their earned benefits reduced when one member of the household passes away.”

Help us pass our bill and demand a more financially secure future for senior citizens by taking action now.