No, you generally cannot apply for Social Security widow’s (survivor) benefits online. You must apply either by calling the Social Security Administration (SSA) at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or by visiting your local Social Security office in person. It is recommended to call and schedule an appointment to avoid long wait times.
To get widow's benefits, you must apply through the Social Security Administration (SSA) by calling or visiting in person (not online), generally being at least 60 (or 50 if disabled) and having been married to the deceased for at least 9 months, while providing proof of marriage/death and bank details; eligibility varies, especially if you're a divorced spouse or caring for children, but it involves proving the deceased paid Social Security taxes and you meet age/relationship criteria.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Widows cannot apply online for survivor's benefits. You can call SSA at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), or make an appointment at your local Social Security office.
Your surviving spouse can get reduced benefits as early as age 60. If your surviving spouse has a disability, benefits can begin as early as age 50. For more information on survivors benefits, visit www.ssa.gov/survivorplan.
Payments start at 71.5% of your spouse's benefit and increase the longer you wait to apply. For example, you might get: Over 75% at age 61. Over 80% at age 63.
Overall, most people feel that applying for social security benefits online is a much more convenient option than applying in person. The process is straightforward and easy to follow, and you can complete it at any time that is convenient for you.
It was introduced in April 2017, replacing the widowed parent's allowance, the bereavement allowance (previously known as the widow's pension) and the bereavement payment. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria, you will receive payments from the government for 18 months.
Widows may get a one-time payment or monthly benefits from Social Security Administration (SSA). Spouses of veterans may get death-related benefits from Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Nonprofits and charities often offer short-term aid such as help with rent, bills, or budgeting support.
Not everyone automatically qualifies for survivor benefits. Typically, the deceased must have accumulated enough work credits through Social Security taxes. Surviving spouses may be eligible at age 60 (or 50 if disabled), and unmarried children under 18 (or up to 19 if still in high school) generally qualify.
You may be able to get the Allowance for the Survivor benefit if: your spouse or common-law partner has died and since their death you have not remarried or entered into a common-law relationship. you are 60 to 64 years of age. you are a Canadian Citizen or a legal resident.
A widow's benefit is generally calculated on the benefit your late spouse was receiving from Social Security at the time of death. The AARP says that the actual amount of your payment will differ according to the following factors. If you have reached full retirement age, you may receive 100% of the benefit.
You can get a Widow's, Widower's or Surviving Civil Partner's Contributory Pension as long as you remain a widow, widower or surviving civil partner. This pension stops if you remarry or register in a new civil partnership or live with someone as husband and wife or as civil partners.
Spouses and ex-spouses
You may be eligible if you: Are age 60 or older, or age 50–59 if you have a disability, and. Were married for at least 9 months before your spouse's death, and. Didn't remarry before age 60 (age 50 if you have a disability).
"Full Retirement Age" for Survivor benefits is between age 66 and 67. It's when you can get the maximum Survivor benefit payment. It's not always the same as the Full Retirement Age for Retirement benefits. You can start getting Survivor benefits as early as age 60 (50 if you have a disability).
Widowed parent's allowance
The amount you'll be entitled to will depend on your spouse or civil partner's National Insurance record. In 2025/26, the maximum amount you can receive mirrors the maximum bereavement allowance of £150.90 a week.
The first few days and weeks pass by in a blur as you deal with the immediate aftermath of bereavement. Registering your partner's death, organising the funeral, filling out endless paperwork, sorting out your partner's belongings, if you feel up to it, and dealing with the grief and disbelief of other people too...
Form SSA-2 | Information You Need to Apply for Spouse's or Divorced Spouse's Benefits. You can apply: Online, if you are within 3 months of age 62 or older, or. By calling our national toll-free service at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) or visiting your local Social Security office.
Qualifying Surviving Spouse Filing Status
Taxpayers who do not remarry in the year their spouse dies can file jointly with the deceased spouse. For the two years following the year of death, the surviving spouse may be able to use the Qualifying Surviving Spouse filing status.
The $16,728 represents the maximum annual increase in Social Security benefits achievable through delayed retirement credits when you wait until age 70 to claim benefits.