Social Security Survivor Benefits at Age 60
If your spouse or, in some cases, a former spouse has died, you may be able to collect Social Security survivor benefits starting at age 60. This is one of the few Social Security benefits with an eligibility age below 62, and many people are not aware of it.
To qualify, you generally must:
- Be at least 60 years old (or 50 if you have a qualifying disability)
- Have been married to the deceased for at least nine months before their death
- Not have remarried before age 60
If you remarried before age 60, you are not eligible unless that marriage ended. Remarrying at 60 or later does not affect your eligibility.
How much will you receive? The monthly amount depends on when you claim and how much your late spouse earned. At age 60, you can receive approximately 71.5% of what your late spouse was entitled to. That percentage rises the longer you wait, reaching 100% if you wait until your own full retirement age (between 66 and 67 for most people born after 1954).
| Claiming Age | Approximate % of Deceased Spouse's Benefit |
|---|
| 60 | 71.5% |
| 62 | About 81% |
| 65 | About 93% |
| Full Retirement Age | 100% |
To apply, contact the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov. You cannot apply online for survivor benefits; you must call or visit a local SSA office.
SNAP at Age 60: Easier Rules Than You Think
If you are 60 or older, the SNAP program (food stamps) applies different rules that make it easier to qualify. Here is what changes:
Only the net income test applies. Younger households must pass both a gross income test and a net income test. At 60, only the net income test matters. Net income is your income after allowed deductions like housing costs, medical expenses, and dependent care.
Higher asset limit. Households with at least one member who is 60 or older can have up to $4,500 in countable resources (bank accounts, cash on hand, etc.). Younger households are limited to $3,000.
SNAP net income limits for 2025 (households with someone age 60+):
| Household Size | Monthly Net Income Limit | Annual Net Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $1,255 | $15,060 |
| 2 | $1,704 | $20,440 |
| 3 | $2,152 | $25,820 |
| 4 | $2,600 | $31,200 |
| 5 | $3,049 | $36,588 |
These limits represent 100% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Social Security income, pension payments, and wages all count toward this number, but you can deduct certain expenses first.
Special household rule. If you are 60 or older, unable to prepare meals due to a permanent disability, and live with others whose income is no more than 165% FPL, you and your spouse can be considered a separate SNAP household. This can significantly help eligibility.
How to apply for SNAP:
- Find your state's SNAP office or online portal at fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory
- Fill out the application with income, household size, and expense information
- Attend an eligibility interview (often done by phone)
- Provide documents: ID, proof of income, housing costs, utility bills
- If approved, receive your EBT card by mail within 30 days
You can also run a free eligibility check at benefitsusa.org/screener to see if SNAP and other programs are worth applying for based on your situation.
LIHEAP: Energy Bill Help With Priority Access at 60
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps cover heating and cooling costs. There is no age requirement, but households with a member who is 60 or older typically receive priority processing.
In most states, households with a senior member can apply up to a month before the general public. This matters because LIHEAP is funded each year in limited amounts and often runs out before the application period ends. Applying early increases the chance of receiving assistance.
Income eligibility. Federal LIHEAP rules allow states to set limits up to 150% of the federal poverty level or 60% of state median income, whichever is higher. States set their own exact limits within that range, so the number varies by state.
| Household Size | 150% FPL Monthly (2025 estimate) |
|---|
| 1 | Approximately $1,958 |
| 2 | Approximately $2,655 |
| 3 | Approximately $3,353 |
| 4 | Approximately $4,050 |
Some states also add a small benefit boost for households with a member over 60. New York, for example, adds $35 to the base benefit for households with a "vulnerable individual," which includes adults age 60 and older.
How to apply for LIHEAP:
- Go to acf.hhs.gov or your state's social services website to find your local LIHEAP office
- Apply as early as October 1 if your household includes someone 60 or older
- Provide proof of income, a recent utility bill, and ID
- Some states allow applications by mail or home visit for seniors who cannot travel
Lifeline: Discounted Phone and Internet
The Lifeline program from the FCC provides discounted phone and internet service to low-income households. There is no specific age requirement, but the program is relevant for people at 60 who may be on a fixed income.
To qualify, your household income must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty level, or you must participate in a qualifying program such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or federal public housing assistance.
2025 Lifeline income limits (135% FPL):
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit |
|---|
| 1 | $21,128 |
| 2 | $28,665 |
| 3 | $36,203 |
| 4 | $43,740 |
The discount is up to $9.25 per month on phone or internet service, or up to $34.25 per month if you live on Tribal lands. Apply through your phone or internet provider or at lifelinesupport.org.
SSI: Income Support If You Have Limited Resources
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is not age-specific, but it becomes more relevant as people approach retirement age with limited work history or savings. SSI provides monthly cash assistance to people who are 65 or older, blind, or disabled and have limited income and resources.
At age 60, you are not yet old enough to qualify for SSI based on age alone (that threshold is 65). However, if you have a disability, SSI may be available regardless of age.
The maximum federal SSI payment in 2025 is $967 per month for an individual and $1,450 for a couple. Many states add a supplement on top of the federal amount.
Programs That Open at 62 (Plan Ahead Now)
At 60, it is worth understanding what becomes available two years from now so you can plan accordingly.
Social Security retirement benefits become available at 62, though claiming early permanently reduces your monthly payment. For someone born in 1963 or later, claiming at 62 instead of the full retirement age of 67 can reduce the monthly benefit by approximately 30%.
Medicare begins at 65, not 62. If you retire at 62, you will have a gap of three years without employer-sponsored coverage. ACA Marketplace plans are the main option during this period, and subsidies are available based on income through healthcare.gov.
How to Check All Your Options at Once
Rather than applying to each program separately, a free eligibility screener can tell you which programs you likely qualify for based on your income, household size, and ZIP code. Benefits Navigator checks for SNAP, LIHEAP, Lifeline, Medicaid, ACA subsidies, SSI, and more in a single session.
Run a free check at benefitsusa.org/screener. It takes about five minutes and shows your likely eligibility across 11 or more programs at once.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I collect Social Security at age 60?
You cannot collect Social Security retirement benefits at 60. The earliest age for retirement benefits is 62. However, if you are a widow or widower (or, in some cases, a divorced spouse), you can collect Social Security survivor benefits starting at age 60, at approximately 71.5% of your late spouse's benefit amount.
Does SNAP treat 60-year-olds differently than younger adults?
Yes. SNAP defines "elderly" as 60 or older. If you are 60 or older, you only need to meet the net income test (income after deductions at or below 100% FPL), not the gross income test that applies to younger applicants. You also get a higher asset limit of $4,500 versus $3,000 for younger households.
Do I qualify for Medicare at age 60?
No. Medicare eligibility begins at age 65 in most cases. Exceptions exist for people with certain disabilities or end-stage renal disease, but age 60 alone does not qualify you. If you leave employer coverage at 60, ACA Marketplace plans with income-based subsidies are typically the best option.
What is the income limit for SNAP at age 60?
The net income limit for SNAP is 100% of the federal poverty level. In 2025, that is approximately $1,255 per month for a one-person household or $1,704 per month for two people. Unlike younger households, you calculate net income after subtracting deductions like rent, utilities, and medical expenses, which can significantly lower your countable income.
Can I get LIHEAP if I turn 60?
Yes, and turning 60 gives you a small advantage. Most states give priority processing to households with a member 60 or older, meaning you can apply earlier in the season before funds run out. Income limits are typically set at 150% of the federal poverty level, though your state may differ. Contact your local LIHEAP office to confirm the current limit.
What is the asset limit for SNAP for seniors?
If your household includes at least one person who is 60 or older, the countable resource limit is $4,500. This covers bank accounts, cash, and certain other assets. It does not count your primary home, one vehicle (in most states), or certain retirement accounts.
What should I do to prepare for benefits that open at 62 or 65?
At 60, start gathering your Social Security statement (available at ssa.gov/myaccount) to understand what your retirement benefit will be at various claiming ages. If you plan to retire before 65, research ACA Marketplace plans now so you know your coverage options during the gap before Medicare. If your income will be low in retirement, also check whether you may qualify for Medicaid, which has no minimum age requirement.
