Great news for Social Security recipients—$1,316 monthly benefit checks are being distributed in 2025 to qualifying widow(er)s and survivors. As part of the survivor benefits program, these payments are designed to offer financial stability for those who have lost a spouse or eligible family member.
If you’re wondering whether you’re eligible or when you’ll receive this payment, this guide explains everything you need to know.
What Is the $1,316 Social Security Payment?
The $1,316 monthly payment reflects the average benefit amount for widow(er)s receiving survivor benefits in 2025. The exact payment may vary based on your age, the deceased’s work history, and other entitlements.
It’s part of Social Security’s ongoing commitment to providing income security for surviving family members of deceased workers.
Who Is Eligible for the $1,316 Check?
To qualify for this survivor benefit, certain conditions must be met:
- Widow or Widower aged 60 or older (or 50+ if disabled)
- Unmarried children under 18, or up to age 19 if still in high school
- Disabled children of any age if the disability started before age 22
- Dependent parents of the deceased, aged 62 or older
- Surviving divorced spouses may also qualify under specific criteria
Additional considerations:
- Must have been married to the deceased for at least 9 months (with exceptions for sudden accidental death or military service)
- The deceased must have worked and paid Social Security taxes long enough to be insured
Social Security Payment Schedule for 2025
The Social Security Administration (SSA) pays benefits according to the recipient’s date of birth. Here’s how it breaks down for 2025:
| Birth Date Range | Payment Date Each Month |
|---|---|
| 1st – 10th | 2nd Wednesday |
| 11th – 20th | 3rd Wednesday |
| 21st – 31st | 4th Wednesday |
For example:
- If your birthday falls between 1st–10th, expect your payment on May 14
- If your birthday falls between 11th–20th, your check arrives on May 21
- For birthdays between 21st–31st, payments are made on May 28
Note: If you started receiving Social Security before May 1997 or receive both SSI and Social Security, your payment comes on the 3rd of each month.
How COLA Impacts the 2025 Payment
In 2025, a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) has been applied to all Social Security benefits, including survivor payments. This increase ensures your monthly benefits keep pace with inflation.
Thanks to the COLA, the average survivor benefit for a widow or widower rose to $1,316 per month, up from about $1,284 the previous year.
How to Apply for Survivor Benefits
To receive the $1,316 Social Security survivor benefit, eligible individuals must:
- Gather necessary documents: This includes your marriage certificate, the deceased’s death certificate, and Social Security numbers.
- Contact the SSA: Call or visit your local Social Security office to schedule an appointment.
- File the application: You must apply for survivor benefits; they are not issued automatically.
It’s important to apply as soon as possible after the worker’s death to avoid missing months of benefits.
Additional Support Through SSI
If you have limited income and resources, you may also qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) in addition to survivor benefits. For 2025:
- Maximum SSI monthly payment is $943 for individuals
- Up to $1,415 for couples
This can significantly increase the financial support you receive monthly.
The $1,316 Social Security payment in 2025 brings essential financial relief to survivors and dependents of deceased workers. If you meet the eligibility criteria, apply promptly to avoid delays.
Knowing your payment schedule, understanding the COLA increase, and checking if you qualify for additional programs like SSI can maximize the support you’re entitled to.
Stay updated, keep your information accurate with SSA, and ensure you don’t miss any important dates or benefits.
FAQs
Can I work while receiving survivor benefits?
Yes, but if you’re below full retirement age and earn over a certain threshold, your benefits may be temporarily reduced.
Will remarrying affect my eligibility?
If you remarry before age 60 (or 50 if disabled), you usually cannot receive survivor benefits. Remarrying after that age typically does not affect eligibility.
Is the survivor benefit taxable?
It may be partially taxable depending on your total income. Generally, if your combined income exceeds certain limits, part of your benefits could be taxed.