How does Social Security work when a spouse dies?

When a retired worker dies, the surviving spouse gets an amount equal to the workers full retirement benefit. The widowed spouse cannot get both benefits. Therefore total monthly family income is reduced to $1,200 at widowhood, or 50 percent of their former income as a couple.

What does a widow receive from Social Security?

Widow or widower, full retirement age or older — 100 percent of the deceased workers benefit amount. Widow or widower, age 60 — full retirement age — 71½ to 99 percent of the deceased workers basic amount.