A proposal has been introduced in Congress that would increase Social Security survivors benefits for widowed individuals and surviving divorced spouses.
Why It Matters
Survivor benefits are currently paid to around 5.8 million Americans nationwide, with nearly 4 million of those being widowed.
Under current law, certain survivors of Social Security claimants can get related benefits at any age providing they meet certain rules—however, these benefits are reduced if they are under the earliest possible retirement age of 62. Most former spouses, age 60 or older (or age 50 to 59 if they have a disability), can claim benefits after the death of a spouse or ex-spouse, if the marriage lasted at least 10 years.
What To Know
Proposed legislation introduced in Congress this week by several Democrats hopes to change that.
The Surviving Widow(er) Income Fair Treatment (SWIFT) Act would let widowed and surviving divorced spouses with disabilities receive their full survivor benefits at any age, rather than being restricted by current rules.
The bill would also expand child-in-care benefits for those raising children, providing extra financial support to families facing the pressures of caregiving.
The bill was introduced by Democratic Senators Kirsten Gillibrand of New York, Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, Patty Murray of Washington, and Bernie Sanders, an independent, of Vermont.
Democrats have also recently introduced other proposals that would boost Social Security benefits.
One, the Social Security Emergency Inflation Relief Act, would provide a $200 monthly boost to benefits until July 2026. Another, Boosting Benefits, and COLAs for Seniors Act, would change the formula for how annual cost of living adjustments are calculated.
What People Are Saying
Democratic Senator Kirsten Gillibrand of New York said: “Our seniors have spent a lifetime working hard and paying into Social Security, and they deserve to receive adequate benefits and retire with dignity, not spend their golden years just trying to get by. But outdated rules and antiquated policies mean that too many seniors, especially widowed spouses, and women disproportionately, aren’t receiving the benefits they’ve earned or being treated fairly. Our SWIFT Act will help modernize the program and strengthen benefits for our seniors.”
Connecticut Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat, said: “The SWIFT Act corrects outdated rules and restrictions and removes barriers limiting Social Security benefits—ensuring widows, widowers, and surviving divorced spouses receive the Social Security benefits they rightfully deserve.
“Social Security is a lifeline for Americans, playing a critical role in their economic security and financial well-being—and yet, many individuals face burdensome hurdles and arbitrary requirements preventing them from receiving the full benefits they are owed. With this legislation, we make sure that no American is missing out on the benefits they need to live with dignity.”
What Happens Next
The bill has been introduced in the Senate and will be referred to the appropriate committee.