Social Security
Survivor Benefit
Definition
A survivor benefit is a Social Security payment made to the surviving spouse, children, or other dependents of a deceased worker who had enough Social Security work credits.
More Detail
Surviving spouses can generally claim survivor benefits as early as age 60 (or age 50 if disabled). The benefit amount depends on the deceased worker's earnings record and when the survivor claims. A surviving spouse who claims at Full Retirement Age receives 100% of the deceased worker's benefit. Survivor benefits are separate from and can be coordinated with the survivor's own retirement benefit.
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