The short answer
A widow or widower may be eligible for both their own Social Security retirement benefit and a survivor benefit based on the deceased spouse's record, and in many cases they can take one first and switch to the other later to maximize lifetime income. For example, someone might claim a survivor benefit early and let their own benefit grow until 70, or the reverse, depending on which is larger and how each grows. The right sequence depends on the two benefit amounts and the survivor's age, and getting the timing right can meaningfully increase total benefits.
So a surviving spouse can often claim one benefit first and switch to the other later, and the timing can significantly affect lifetime income.
How switching works
Survivor benefits and your own retirement benefit have different rules for how they grow with age, which creates the opportunity to sequence them. A survivor can sometimes claim a reduced survivor benefit as early as 60, then switch to their own benefit at 70 once it has grown to its maximum, or claim their own benefit early and switch to a full survivor benefit later. Which order is better depends on the numbers. Our guide to Social Security survivor benefits covers the basics of the benefit.
The strategy hinges on the two benefits growing differently, so you claim the one that is best now and switch to the other when it peaks.
How to decide
Compare your own benefit and the survivor benefit at different ages, considering that your own benefit grows if delayed while the survivor benefit is generally maxed at the survivor's full retirement age. Your health and income needs matter too. Because the rules are complex and the stakes high, verify the specifics with the Social Security Administration or a qualified professional. Our guide to retirement income when a spouse dies covers the broader income impact.
The takeaway: a surviving spouse can often maximize income by claiming one benefit first and switching to the other later — compare the amounts at each age and confirm the rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a widow switch between survivor and their own Social Security benefit?
Often yes. A surviving spouse can sometimes claim one benefit first and switch to the other later to maximize lifetime income, since the two benefits grow differently with age.
When should a widow claim a survivor benefit?
It depends on the two benefit amounts and the survivor's age. One strategy claims a reduced survivor benefit early and switches to a grown own benefit at 70; another does the reverse. Compare the numbers.
Does a survivor benefit grow if I delay it?
The survivor benefit is generally maximized at the survivor's full retirement age, while your own retirement benefit keeps growing until 70, which is what creates the switching opportunity.
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