Comparing Spousal and Survivor Benefits
Understanding the strict differences between these two benefit types helps couples plan their long-term financial security more accurately.
| Feature | Spousal Benefit (Living Spouse) | Survivor Benefit (Deceased Spouse) |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Percentage | 50% of the primary earner’s full retirement age amount. | 100% of the deceased spouse’s actual payment amount. |
| Earliest Claim Age | Age 62 (unless caring for a qualifying child). | Age 60 (or age 50 if disabled). |
| Delayed Retirement Impact | Primary earner delaying past full retirement age does not increase spousal benefit. | Primary earner delaying past full retirement age directly increases the survivor payout. |
| Remarriage Rules | Divorced spousal benefits stop entirely if the claimant remarries at any age. | Survivor benefits continue seamlessly if the claimant remarries at age 60 or older. |
