Retirement Social Security

8 Social Security Mistakes Widows and Widowers Make - And They Can Be Costly

Many widows and widowers may miss out on significant Social Security income simply because they don't understand the rules.

By Chris Lewis, CEPF , Edited by Laura Hohenstein

Updated Aug. 6, 2026

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Losing a spouse is emotionally overwhelming, and the financial decisions that follow can feel just as heavy. The rules regarding Social Security survivor benefits may be confusing for some, and many widows and widowers may make costly mistakes without realizing it.

The claiming age you choose, the order in which you take benefits, and your filing strategy can dramatically affect lifetime income. If you want your retirement plan to stay on track, knowing the rules can make a meaningful difference.

Below are eight common mistakes surviving spouses may make and what to do instead.

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Not knowing that survivor benefits can begin by age 60

Many widows and widowers may think they must wait until age 62 or full retirement age (FRA), typically age 67, to collect Social Security. However, survivor benefits work differently. You can claim a reduced survivor benefit starting at age 60, or as early as 50 if disabled, according to the Social Security Administration.

It's important to note that claiming early permanently reduces your monthly check. Waiting until FRA allows survivors to collect 100% of their late spouse's benefit, which can significantly increase long-term income.

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Not realizing that survivor benefits can extend beyond a spouse

Many survivors may assume benefits apply only to husbands or wives, but eligibility is broader. Children, dependent parents, and even ex-spouses may qualify for survivor benefits under certain conditions. For divorced spouses, the marriage must have lasted at least 10 years, and the survivor must not have remarried before age 60.

Because each category has unique rules around age, dependency, and marital status, confirming eligibility can help ensure no portion of your household's survivor benefits goes unclaimed.

Not considering the tax implications

Survivor benefits can be taxed depending on your combined income, which includes half of your Social Security check plus taxable income and certain nontaxable interest. If your combined income exceeds $25,000 as a single filer or $32,000 for joint filers, up to 85% of your benefit may be taxable.

Many widows overlook this and are surprised when tax season arrives. Planning ahead, such as adjusting withholdings or coordinating IRA withdrawals, can potentially help retain more of your survivor income.

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Not knowing that you can collect the survivor benefit and then switch to your retirement benefit

Surviving spouses often may not realize they have strategic claiming options. While you can't collect both simultaneously, you can collect a survivor benefit first, then switch to your own retirement benefit later, ideally at age 70, when your personal benefit reaches its maximum.

Alternatively, if your personal benefit is smaller, you may begin with that and delay your survivor benefit until FRA for a higher monthly check. Understanding this flexibility is one of the most powerful ways to maximize lifetime income.

Working while collecting survivor benefits

Widows and widowers who work while collecting Social Security before FRA are subject to the SSA's earnings test. For 2026, Social Security withholds $1 in benefits for every $2 you earn above $24,480 if you are under the FRA all year. In the year you reach FRA, the limit increases to $65,160, and the reduction drops to $1 withheld for every $3 earned.

Failing to plan for this can temporarily reduce your benefit, but withheld benefits are credited back once you reach the FRA.

Not understanding the rules about remarrying

Remarrying before age 60 can eliminate your eligibility for survivor benefits based on your late spouse's record. However, if you remarry after turning 60, you'll remain eligible for those benefits.

If a later marriage ends due to divorce or death, eligibility may be reinstated. Because remarriage rules can drastically affect long-term income, timing matters when trying to preserve maximum benefits.

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Not realizing you could be eligible for a lump-sum death benefit

The SSA might provide a one-time $255 lump-sum death payment to eligible surviving spouses or children. Although modest, it can help offset funeral expenses or other immediate financial needs.

Though small compared with monthly benefits, making sure you get this lump-sum payment is still part of maximizing what your family is entitled to receive.

Not timing your benefits application properly

Delaying your application for benefits can mean losing money, since survivor benefits are not retroactive beyond a few months. You must apply by contacting the SSA directly; survivor claims cannot be filed online.

Bringing documents such as your marriage certificate, spouse's death certificate, and personal identification speeds up approval. Filing promptly can help ensure you receive your senior benefits as soon as you are eligible.

Bottom line

Survivor benefits come with rules that are often misunderstood, yet getting them right can meaningfully boost long-term income and ease financial stress. From knowing when you can claim to understanding how remarriage, taxes, and your work plans affect eligibility, each decision influences your overall benefit strategy.

By learning the rules ahead of time and exploring every option available, you can strengthen your financial foundation and continue saving for your retirement plan with confidence.

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