My wife, who is 74 years old, currently receives survivor benefits from her previous husband. Is she now eligible to switch to her own Social Security benefits?

How to Determine If Switching to Her Own Social Security Benefit Is Better

“How can she find out whether her own benefit would be higher?” (Photo subject is a model.) - MarketWatch photo illustration/iStockphoto

Question from a Reader

My wife, who is 74, started collecting survivor benefits from her late husband when she turned 60. We got married a little over four years after that. Is there a way for her to check if her personal Social Security benefit would be greater, and if so, how can she make the change? Or is she required to keep receiving the survivor benefit? She has never investigated this before.

Signed, Husband of Widow

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Expert Response

Yes, your wife may be able to switch to her own retirement benefit, but the answer depends on her specific situation.

Surviving spouses are eligible to claim survivor benefits as early as age 60 (or 50 if disabled). These payments are separate from a person’s own retirement benefits, which means it’s possible to switch later. However, Social Security will only pay the higher of the two benefits, not both at the same time.

If her survivor benefit is greater than what she would receive based on her own work history—even after factoring in any delayed retirement credits—she will continue to receive the survivor benefit. If her own benefit is higher, she can request to switch.

Since she began collecting survivor benefits at 60, she likely received a reduced amount because she claimed before reaching Full Retirement Age (FRA). For those born between 1943 and 1954, FRA is 66; for people born in 1960 or later, it’s 67. Her personal retirement benefit may now be larger, especially if she delayed claiming it and earned additional credits up to age 70.

To get a clearer picture, she can review any benefit statements mailed by Social Security or create a “my Social Security” account online. This account allows users to check their earnings history, personal details, and benefit estimates at various ages. She should be able to see what her own benefit would be if she switched from the survivor benefit. Alternatively, she can call Social Security or make an appointment at a local office for assistance.

Important Note on Survivor Benefits and Remarriage

It’s important to mention that not everyone in a similar situation can receive survivor benefits after remarrying. The path your wife took—receiving survivor benefits after remarrying—is not available to all widows and widowers.

If someone remarries before turning 60, they generally lose eligibility for survivor benefits based on a previous spouse’s record. However, if the new marriage occurs after age 60, they may still qualify. These rules are designed to support those who find new partners later in life while recognizing the loss of a first spouse.

If your wife hasn’t checked her options yet, now is a great time to do so.

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