Hello, my name is Adam Corwin. I’m a financial advisor and Vice President at Totus Wealth Management.
Today, I want to talk about something that can be difficult to think about, but incredibly important to understand: Social Security surviving spouse benefits.
Losing a spouse can bring emotional weight, practical decisions, and financial questions all at once. And in that kind of moment, clarity matters.
Surviving spouse benefits are designed to provide a monthly income based on your spouse’s Social Security record, helping you maintain some financial stability as you adjust to a new chapter. In many cases, a surviving spouse may qualify as early as age 60, or age 50 if disabled. Benefits may also be available at any age if you are caring for the deceased spouse’s child who is under 16 or has a disability and receives Social Security benefits. The amount you receive depends on several factors, including your spouse’s earnings history, when they claimed benefits, and when you choose to begin survivor benefits.
This is where planning becomes important.
Sometimes, it may make sense to begin survivor benefits first and later switch to your own retirement benefit if it grows to a higher amount. Other times, a different claiming strategy may better support your income, tax picture, and long-term retirement plan.
At Totus, we help you consider these decisions in the context of your entire financial life. If you are navigating the loss of a spouse, or simply want to understand how survivor benefits may fit into your plan, our team can help you talk through your options with care, clarity, and thoughtful guidance.
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*All investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that any investment strategy will be successful.