Social Security Survivor Benefits
Can I receive both my own Social Security and survivor benefits?
Short answer
Not simultaneously in full. You receive whichever is higher — your own benefit or the survivor benefit — but not both stacked. SSA will calculate which gives you the most and pay accordingly. If your own benefit is higher, you may want…
What this usually means
Not simultaneously in full. You receive whichever is higher — your own benefit or the survivor benefit — but not both stacked. SSA will calculate which gives you the most and pay accordingly. If your own benefit is higher, you may want to delay claiming survivor benefits or vice versa. This timing decision has significant lifetime financial implications — consider consulting a financial advisor.
What to do next
- Start the PathAfter checklist for situation-aware first steps.
- Find California county help for coroner contacts, vital records, cost tools, and paperwork.
- Open the First 72 Hours Call Log before making calls.
- Open the Documents to Find Checklist when you are ready for paperwork.