Social Security Strategies if You’re Widowed

“A survivor benefit is worth up to 100% of a deceased spouse’s benefit.

You’re eligible for a survivor benefit based on your deceased spouse’s earnings. You can claim this benefit as early as age 60, or 50 if you’re totally disabled. The amount is based on your late spouse’s benefit when he or she died. If your spouse died before claiming Social Security, the benefit will be based on 100% of the amount due at your late spouse’s full retirement age.”

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Social Security Strategies if You’re Divorced

“Meet certain criteria and you may qualify to claim a benefit off an ex-spouse’s earnings record.

…In order to claim either spousal or survivor benefits, you must have been married for at least 10 years and not be entitled to a higher benefit based on your own record. In addition, you must be at least 62 and unmarried.”

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Social Security Strategies if You’re Single

“There are steps singles can take to boost their benefits.

…Single retirees who never married don’t need to concern themselves with survivor benefits — benefits will end when they do. That gives single beneficiaries a less compelling reason to postpone claiming benefits after full retirement age, says Marc Kiner, co-founder of Premier Social Security Consulting in Sharonville, Ohio.”

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Social Security Strategies for Married Couples

“Spouses can boost their benefits by coordinating the timing of their claims.

Married beneficiaries can claim benefits based on their own earnings record or choose to receive up to 50% of the amount for which their spouse is eligible at full retirement age.”

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All four of these articles are by Sandra Block, from Kiplinger’s Personal Finance, January 2015.