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RetirementFAQs

Social Security

Am I eligible for survivor benefits?

Losing a spouse is hard enough without decoding Social Security. Whether you qualify for a survivor benefit, and how much, comes down to a handful of questions about your marriage, your age, and whether you have remarried. Answer them and I'll point you to where you land.

Your situation

Question 1

Has your spouse or ex-spouse passed away?

These are the common rules, but survivor benefits carry real exceptions and the claiming math gets intricate. It's education, not advice. Check with Social Security or a planner before you file.