Tag: survivor benefits

Second Chances & Social Security: How Remarriage Can Boost Your Benefits
May 13, 2025 Off

Second Chances & Social Security: How Remarriage Can Boost Your Benefits

By The Admiral Staff

If you remarry after age 60 (or 50 if disabled) and were married to your deceased spouse for at least 10 years, you may be able to continue receiving survivor benefits from their Social Security account while also receiving spousal benefits from your new spouse’s account. The total benefits received would equal the higher of the two amounts, and you can switch to your own retirement benefits between ages 62 and 70 if they are higher.

Beyond Social Security: What Happens When You’re Gone?
August 27, 2024 Off

Beyond Social Security: What Happens When You’re Gone?

By The Admiral Staff

Social Security doesn’t have individual accounts, but payroll taxes fund a trust from which benefits are paid. If you die, your payments stop, but survivor benefits may be available to qualifying family members. These benefits are based on your work record and aren’t “taking” your Social Security. Eligible survivors include: spouses (married at least nine months), ex-spouses (married at least 10 years and divorced for two), minor children, adult children with disabilities, and dependent parents (

Remarriage & Retirement: Will You Lose Your Pension?
May 1, 2024 Off

Remarriage & Retirement: Will You Lose Your Pension?

By The Admiral Staff

Whether a surviving spouse can continue receiving pension benefits after remarriage depends on the specific plan’s terms. Private pensions often allow benefits to continue, particularly if the contributions were primarily from the deceased spouse. Public pensions and the military’s Survivor Benefit Program (SBP) may have different rules, with the SBP allowing benefits if remarriage occurs after age 55. Social Security survivor benefits can generally be maintained if remarried after age 60. It’s crucial to verify details with the

Remarriage & Retirement: Will You Lose Your Pension?
March 20, 2024 Off

Remarriage & Retirement: Will You Lose Your Pension?

By The Admiral Staff

Whether a surviving spouse can continue receiving pension benefits after remarriage depends on the specific plan’s terms. Private pensions often allow benefits to continue, particularly if the contributions were primarily from the deceased spouse. Public pensions and the military’s Survivor Benefit Program (SBP) may have different rules, with the SBP allowing benefits if remarriage occurs after age 55. Social Security survivor benefits can generally be maintained if remarried after age 60. It’s crucial to verify details with the

Navigating Social Security: A Widow’s Guide to Maximizing Benefits
March 19, 2024 Off

Navigating Social Security: A Widow’s Guide to Maximizing Benefits

By The Admiral Staff

A 60-year-old woman receiving SSDI and caring for her disabled father and 9-year-old child is seeking advice on maximizing her Social Security retirement benefits. The expert advises waiting until age 67, her full retirement age, to claim benefits based on her husband’s record. This will ensure she receives the maximum amount possible and will allow her to potentially receive both a survivor benefit from her husband’s account and her own retirement benefit, totaling up to the higher