Social Security Retirement and Survivor Benefits Explained
When to claim Social Security is the single biggest financial decision most people make in retirement — and it's largely irreversible. Add survivor benefits, Medicare timing, and pension protections, and there's a lot riding on getting it right. Here's what each program does and how to make it work for you.
Full retirement age
67
For anyone born in 1960 or later. Delaying past FRA adds ~8%/year until 70.
Lump-sum death payment
$255
A one-time payment to an eligible surviving spouse or child.
Key Retirement & Survivor Programs
The two decisions people most often get wrong
- →Claiming at 62 vs. 70 can mean a difference of hundreds of thousands of dollars over a lifetime. It's the single biggest retirement decision most people make — run your numbers before you claim.
- →You can claim survivor benefits first and switch to your own retirement benefit later (or vice versa). Many widows and widowers don't know this — and choosing the order can add up over the years.
Trusted Resources
Trusted tools to help you claim what you've earned
"Get What's Yours" (Amazon)
The bestselling guide to Social Security — how to time your claim and get the most out of your retirement and survivor benefits.
View on Amazon →*Rocket Lawyer — Wills & Estate Planning
Create a will, living trust, power of attorney, and other estate documents online, with attorney help available when you need it.
Start your estate plan →*
* Affiliate disclosure: GovSifter may earn a commission from links above. This does not affect program listings or editorial content.
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