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Social Security Benefits and Reductions for Surviving Spouse by Age |
The earliest a widow or widower can start receiving Social Security survivors benefits based on age will remain at age 60. |
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If you receive benefits earlyYou can receive widows/widowers benefits based on your age at any time between age 60 and your full retirement age as a survivor. However, if you start at one of these early ages, your benefits are reduced a fraction of a percent for each month before your full retirement age. If you start widows/widowers benefits before age 62 and switch to retirement benefits when you reach your full retirement age* your retirement benefit may also be affected. As a general rule, early widows/widowers benefits based on your age will give you about the same total Social Security survivors benefits over your lifetime, but in smaller amounts to take into account the longer period you will receive them. Note: If your birthday is
on the 1st of the month, we figure the benefit as if your birthday was
the previous month. |
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Pros and ConsThere are disadvantages and advantages to taking your benefit before your full retirement age. The advantage is that you collect benefits for a longer period of time. The disadvantage is that your benefit may be permanently reduced. Each person's situation is different, so make sure you contact Social Security before you decide to retire. *Full retirement age may be different for retirement benefits. |
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Last reviewed or modified Monday Jan 14, 2008 |