Who Gets a Payment Increase and When
The Social Security Administration raises payments for certain widows, widowers, and divorced spouses when they reach full retirement age. The increase happens automatically — you do not have to request it. The payment goes up because you become may have access to to your own retirement benefit based on your work record, and Social Security pays you the higher of the two amounts: what you would get as a widow or divorcee, or what you would get based on your own earnings history.
The timing depends on your birth year and when you claimed. If you claimed a widow's or divorcee's benefit before your full retirement age, your payment will increase on the month you reach full retirement age. If you have not yet claimed anything, you can claim your own retirement benefit at 62 or wait until 70 to receive a larger payment.
Key Takeaways
- Widows, widowers, and divorced spouses automatically receive a payment increase when they reach full retirement age, with no action required on your part.
- The increase occurs because Social Security switches you to your own retirement benefit if it is higher than your widow's or divorcee's benefit.
- Full retirement age ranges from 66 to 67 depending on your birth year, and you can check your exact age on your Social Security statement.
- If you claimed a widow's or divorcee's benefit before full retirement age, the increase happens in the month you turn full retirement age.
- You can view your current benefit amount and projected increases by logging into your my Social Security account online.
How the Payment Increase Works
Social Security calculates two separate benefit amounts for you: one based on your own work record, and one based on your deceased or ex-spouse's record. At full retirement age, the agency compares the two and pays you whichever is larger. If you claimed early as a widow or divorcee, your benefit was reduced by a percentage based on how many months before full retirement age you claimed. Once you reach full retirement age, that reduction no longer applies to your own retirement benefit, so the payment often jumps.
The exact increase varies by person. Someone who claimed a widow's benefit at 60 might see a 30 to 35 percent increase at full retirement age. Someone who claimed at 62 might see a 20 to 25 percent increase. The increase reflects the difference between the reduced rate you received and the full rate you are now may have access to to.
Finding Your Full Retirement Age
Full retirement age is not 65 for everyone. It depends on the year you were born. If you were born in 1943 or later, your full retirement age is between 66 and 67. The Social Security Administration publishes a chart showing the exact age by birth year, and you can also find it on your Social Security statement or in your my Social Security account.
Knowing your full retirement age matters because it determines when your widow's or divorcee's benefit stops being reduced and when you become may have access to to your own full retirement benefit. If you are unsure, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 and give them your birth date — they will tell you the exact month and year you reach full retirement age.
What Happens If You Claimed Early
If you claimed a widow's or divorcee's benefit before full retirement age, you received a permanently reduced payment. That reduction stays in place for life. However, at full retirement age, Social Security recalculates your benefit based on your own work record. If your own retirement benefit is higher than the reduced widow's or divorcee's benefit you have been receiving, you switch to the higher amount.
This switch is automatic and happens with no paperwork from you. Your payment will increase in the month you turn full retirement age. You will see the new amount on your next benefit statement or in your my Social Security account. If the increase does not appear within a month of reaching full retirement age, contact Social Security to verify the change was processed.
Divorced Spouses and the 10-Year Marriage Rule
To receive a widow's or divorcee's benefit, you must have been married to the person for at least 10 years. If your marriage lasted fewer than 10 years, you cannot claim on your ex-spouse's record, even if they have passed away. The 10-year requirement applies whether your ex-spouse is living or deceased.
If you meet the 10-year requirement and are at least 60 years old (or 50 if you are disabled), you can claim a divorcee's benefit on your ex-spouse's record. At full retirement age, the same increase applies: Social Security compares your divorcee's benefit to your own retirement benefit and pays you the higher amount. The increase is automatic and requires no action from you.
Checking Your Benefit Amount Online
You can view your current benefit and see what it will be at full retirement age by creating or logging into your my Social Security account at ssa.gov. The account shows your current payment, your full retirement age, and an estimate of what you will receive if you wait until 70. You can also see your earnings record and verify that Social Security has your correct work history.
If you do not have an online account, you can create one using your email address and Social Security number. The account is free and takes about 10 minutes to set up. If you prefer not to use the online account, you can request a benefit statement by mail or call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213.
What to Do If Your Payment Does Not Increase
In rare cases, the automatic increase does not happen on schedule. This can occur if Social Security's records show an error in your birth date, work history, or marital status. If you reach full retirement age and your payment does not increase within 30 days, contact Social Security directly.
Bring your Social Security card, birth certificate, and marriage certificate (or divorce decree if applicable). A representative can review your record and process the increase manually if needed. You can visit a local Social Security office, call 1-800-772-1213, or use the my Social Security account to send a message to your local office.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to do anything to get the increase at full retirement age?
No. The increase happens automatically when you reach full retirement age. Social Security compares your two benefit amounts and switches you to the higher one with no paperwork required from you. You will see the new amount on your next benefit statement.
What if I have not claimed anything yet?
If you have not claimed a widow's or divorcee's benefit, you can claim your own retirement benefit at any time after 62. At full retirement age, you will receive your full retirement benefit with no reduction. If you wait until 70, your benefit will be 24 to 32 percent higher than at full retirement age, depending on your birth year.
Can I increase my payment by waiting until 70?
Your own retirement benefit increases by about 8 percent per year if you delay claiming past full retirement age, up until age 70. However, a widow's or divorcee's benefit does not increase after full retirement age. Once you reach full retirement age, you receive your full widow's or divorcee's benefit or your own retirement benefit — whichever is higher — and waiting longer will not raise it further.
Will the increase affect my taxes or Medicare premiums?
The increase in your Social Security payment may affect your income for tax purposes and could influence your Medicare Part B and Part D premiums. If your income rises above certain thresholds, your Medicare premiums may increase. Consult a tax professional or contact Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 to understand how the increase affects your specific situation.
What if I remarried after becoming a widow or divorcee?
If you remarried before age 60 (or age 50 if disabled), you generally lose the right to claim on your deceased ex-spouse's record. If you remarried at 60 or older, you can still claim on your deceased ex-spouse's record. The rules are complex and depend on your exact age and when you remarried, so contact Social Security to discuss your situation.