Do you have to be single to collect survivor benefits?

Survivor benefits under Social Security are designed to provide financial support to the surviving family members of a deceased worker. It is not necessary for an individual to be single to collect these benefits.

Specifically, a person can claim survivor benefits regardless of their marital status, but there are age-related provisions that come into play. The key point here is that if a surviving spouse is over the age of 60, they can access survivor benefits irrespective of their current marital status. This means that being married does not preclude someone from receiving these benefits if they meet the age requirement.

The nuances of this eligibility highlight the Social Security Administration's intent to support widows, widowers, and dependent children, providing a degree of financial security during challenging times.