6 Survivor-Benefit Rules That Can Boost a Widow’s Check

Widows can often increase their Social Security survivor benefits by carefully choosing when to claim and whether to switch benefits later. Understanding the rules can mean hundreds more each month. Pexels

Losing a spouse is absolutely devastating. On top of dealing with grief, many widows are also faced with financial uncertainty in the months after their loved one’s death, especially for those who depend on Social Security income. There are Social Security survivor benefits that include several rules that can significantly increase the amount a widow receives over his/her lifetime. Unfortunately, many people claim benefits without fully understanding these provisions, potentially leaving thousands of dollars on the table. Knowing when to file, when to switch benefits, and how remarriage affects eligibility can make a major difference in retirement income. Here are six survivor benefit rules that can help you get the most out of Social Security.

1. You Can Claim Survivor Benefits as Early as Age 60