Social Security is full of rules and regulations that many find to be confusing to navigate. Survivor benefits are no exception. Widow(er)s may be entitled to receive benefits on their late spouse’s Social Security record.

Important Things to Remember

As the Social Security Administration explains, how much a widow(er) receives is dependent on a few things. However, there are four circumstances that could indicate an individual is entitled to receive survivor benefits. These circumstances include:

• Having a disability at age 50
• An individual is at least 60 years old
• If there is a child under your care who is under age 16 or became disabled before 22 is under your care
• If an individual was widowed and then remarried after they were 60 years old

It is important to note that retirement benefits and survivor benefits cannot be collected simultaneously. Rather, individuals who qualify for both will only receive one payment.

Thankfully, the payment received will be the higher of the two options; but this still means the surviving spouse receives an income that is smaller than what they’d been used to.

Unfortunately, this reduction can be detrimental to many senior citizens’ financial security, especially when we look at how fast inflation is climbing. That’s why we are fighting for change.

How We’re Fighting for Seniors

More often than not, Social Security benefits make up a large portion of an individual’s retirement income. Sadly, individuals are continually met with red-tape, preventing them from receiving the entirety of their hard-earned benefits.

Such financial insecurity is unacceptable — that’s why Senior Security Alliance began. Our grassroots program created a bill, The Senior Citizens Bill of Rights; this bill guarantees seven essential rights to help protect and enhance seniors’ financial security. For more information, check out our full bill here. Then be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter.