When can you collect widow survivor benefits from Social Security?

The earliest age that a widower or widow can collect any survivor benefits from Social Security is age 60. Those interested in survivor benefits should contact a Social Security representative to review possible options.

It's important to note that while widowers and widows can receive survivor benefits as early as age 60, those who receive such benefits before full retirement age will be unable to receive the entire retirement benefit amount, though they will receive money over a longer period of time. Additionally, the maximum survivor's benefit is limited to what the deceased individual would receive if they were still alive.