A 74-year-old woman receiving survivor benefits from her first husband may now claim her own Social Security retirement benefit, potentially increasing her monthly income. The decision hinges on timing and benefit calculations under current U.S. Social Security rules.
- Survivor benefits began at age 60 for a woman now 74
- Eligibility to switch to own retirement benefit based on higher payout
- Potential benefit increase up to 132% of PIA with delayed claiming
- Average survivor benefit: ~$1,486; average PIA for women born in 1950s: ~$1,950
- Over 1.5 million recipients currently receive survivor benefits
- Decision impacts both personal income and federal benefit expenditures
At age 60, the woman began collecting survivor benefits based on her deceased first husband’s work record. Now, at 74, she is eligible to switch to her own Social Security retirement benefit if it exceeds the survivor payment. This transition is permitted under provisions allowing individuals to claim the higher of their own retirement benefit or survivor benefit. The key factor is the comparison between her own full retirement benefit—calculated based on her lifetime earnings—and the survivor benefit she is currently receiving. If her own benefit has grown due to delayed claiming or inflation adjustments, switching could result in a significant increase. For example, a worker who delays claiming until age 70 can receive up to 132% of their full retirement benefit, depending on birth year and earnings history. Social Security Administration data indicates that over 1.5 million beneficiaries aged 60 and older are receiving survivor benefits. Among those, a growing number are reconsidering their options as they approach or pass age 70, when earning potential for delayed retirement credits ceases. The average monthly survivor benefit in 2025 was approximately $1,486, while the average primary insurance amount (PIA) for women born in the 1950s is around $1,950. This shift affects not only the individual but also federal spending projections. If more recipients optimize their benefits by switching, it could slightly increase outlays in the short term but improve long-term financial outcomes for retirees. The decision requires careful analysis of earnings records and benefit statements issued by the SSA.