Social Security Survivor Benefits Explained: What Spouses Need to Know

5 articles · Updated · JoCo Report · Apr 12

A Social Security expert clarified that a surviving spouse receives either their own or their deceased spouse’s benefit, whichever is higher.
The survivor must contact Social Security to apply for the benefit and may also receive a one-time $255 lump sum death payment.
If a previous marriage lasted at least 10 years, the survivor can choose the higher benefit from a deceased ex-spouse or current spouse.

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