Switching From a Spousal to a Survivor Social Security Benefit? 3 Changes to Expect.

A spouse passing away changes a lot emotionally, but it also has financial effects, including adjustments to your Social Security checks. If you'd been claiming a spousal benefit on your partner's work record, you'll no longer have that option. You'll also stop receiving the monthly retirement benefit they were earning.

But you'll qualify for a survivor benefit on their work record instead. This type of benefit looks different from what you're used to. Here are the three biggest changes to expect as you navigate this transition.

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1. Your monthly benefit will increase

If you'd been receiving a spousal benefit, you were entitled to, at the most, 50% of the amount your spouse was eligible for at their full retirement age (FRA). Once you switch to a spousal benefit, you qualify for up to 100% of the amount they were receiving or eligible for at the time of their death.

This could soften the blow of losing their retirement benefit. But you'll need to keep in mind that your household's Social Security benefits will still decrease as you drop from two checks to one. You'll need to make up the difference with other retirement income sources, like personal savings or a pension.

2. Remarriage could affect your survivor benefit eligibility, but not always

When couples divorce and one person remains eligible to claim on their ex's work record, remarriage automatically renders them unable to continue receiving a spousal benefit on their ex-partner's record. However, they may qualify for a spousal benefit on their new partner's work record.

Remarriage doesn't automatically disqualify you from claiming survivor benefits, though. It depends on your age at the time. If you're 60 or older (or 50 or older if you're disabled), you can keep your survivor benefit, even if you later remarry. Earlier remarriages would take this option off the table.

3. Your Social Security benefit tax situation may change

The government taxes up to 85% of your Social Security benefits at your ordinary income tax rate if your provisional income -- adjusted gross income (AGI), plus nontaxable interest, and half your annual Social Security benefit -- exceeds certain limits for your marital status.

With your marital status, your Social Security benefits, and possibly your household income and expenses changing, you could find yourself owing these taxes where you haven't before, or not owing them even if you did in the past. Consult an accountant to learn whether these taxes could be an issue for you going forward and to decide what you need to do to prepare for them.

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