When can a widower collect Social Security?

age 60
The earliest a widow or widower can start receiving Social Security survivors benefits based on age will remain at age 60. Widows or widowers benefits based on age can start any time between age 60 and full retirement age as a survivor.

Your widow or widower can get reduced benefits as early as age 60. If your surviving spouse is disabled, benefits can begin as early as age 50. For more information on widows, widowers, and other survivors, visit

When do widows and widowers get Social Security benefits?

Widows or widowers benefits based on age can start any time between age 60 and full retirement age as a survivor. If the benefits start at an earlier age, they are reduced a fraction of a percent for each month before full retirement age.

What’s the difference between widow’s and widower’s pension?

Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Contributory) Pension is a weekly payment to the husband, wife or civil partner of a deceased person. This payment was formerly called the Widow’s/Widower’s (Contributory) Pension. Either you or your deceased spouse or civil partner must have enough social insurance contributions (PRSI).

How old do you have to be to get widowers pension?

Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Non-Contributory) Pension is not paid to people aged 66 and over, but you can apply for a State Pension (Non-Contributory). To qualify you must, of course, be a widow, widower or surviving civil partner and you must not be cohabiting with another person.

Can a surviving civil partner get a widow’s pension?

Generally, you cannot get a Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Contributory) Pension and another socail welfare payment at the same time. For example, if you are entitled to a Widow’s, Widower’s or Surviving Civil Partner’s (Contributory) Pension and a State Pension (Contributory), you will be paid whichever is the higher amount.