What Is National Social Security Day?
Did you know?
About 9 in 10 married couples age 65+ rely on Social Security as part of their retirement income.1
As of January 2026, the average retired worker receives about $2,071 per month in Social Security benefits, while retired couples receive an average of $3,208 monthly combined.2
Every year on August 14, Americans recognize National Social Security Day, highlighting the important role Social Security plays in retirement planning. 3 For many married couples, Social Security provides a meaningful portion of retirement income. But one often-overlooked reality is what happens financially when a spouse dies.
Many surviving spouses experience a significant drop in household income because one Social Security benefit may stop after a spouse’s death. Understanding how survivor benefits work — and how life insurance may help — can help families prepare for the future.
How Social Security Works for Married Couples
When both spouses receive Social Security, households often rely on two monthly benefit checks to help cover housing, utilities, groceries, healthcare, and other living expenses.
In some cases, spouses may also qualify for spousal survivor benefits based on a spouse’s work history. 4 For many couples, these benefits become an important part of their overall retirement income strategy.
The Hidden Impact of Losing a Spouse
One of the most misunderstood aspects of Social Security is what happens after the death of a spouse. In many cases, the surviving spouse keeps only the larger of the two Social Security benefits.
For example:
- One spouse receives $2,300 per month
- The other receives $1,700 per month
After one spouse dies, the surviving spouse may continue receiving the $2,300 benefit, but the additional $1,700 payment may stop. That could reduce household income by more than $20,000 annually.
While some expenses may decrease, many costs — including housing, utilities, and healthcare — often remain the same or even may increase.
How Life Insurance May Help Protect a Surviving Spouse
Life insurance can help provide financial protection for surviving spouses by helping replace lost income after a loved one dies. It may also help a surviving spouse pay off debts, cover final expenses, and keep retirement savings on track. That’s why many couples include life insurance as part of a broader retirement and protection strategy.
Planning Ahead as a Couple
National Social Security Day can be a good reminder to review your financial strategy together and ask important questions, including:
- Would one Social Security benefit be enough?
Consider how the household income may change if one spouse’s benefit stopped. - Do you understand your survivor benefits?
Knowing how Social Security survivor benefits work may help you prepare more effectively for the future. - Do you have enough life insurance coverage?
Reviewing existing policies may help determine whether current coverage still fits your family’s goals and needs. - Have you created a long-term retirement strategy?
A comprehensive strategy may include retirement savings, Social Security, investments, and life insurance protection.
Planning Today May Help Protect Tomorrow
Social Security can provide valuable retirement income, but surviving spouses may face a substantial reduction in household income after losing a loved one.
Reviewing your retirement and protection strategy — including life insurance coverage — may help provide greater financial confidence for the future.
Meet with your financial professional to discuss ways to help protect the people who matter most.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to Social Security when a spouse dies?
In many cases, the surviving spouse keeps the larger Social Security benefit, while the smaller monthly benefit stops.
Can a surviving spouse receive Social Security survivor benefits?
Yes. Eligible surviving spouses may qualify for survivor benefits based on their spouse’s work history.
Can life insurance help replace lost Social Security income?
Life insurance may help provide financial support to offset the loss of household income after the death of a spouse.
Why should married couples discuss life insurance during retirement planning?
Retirement planning affects both spouses. Discussing life insurance and income protection strategies together may help families prepare for unexpected life events.
Margaret A. Muldoon
Margaret (Meg) Muldoon is an attorney* with the Advanced Sales Team. Meg has spent her career guiding individuals and financial service professionals through asset distribution and estate planning process.
In her position at National Life Group, she offers comprehensive case design, technical, marketing, and educational support to National Life Group’s field partners, agents, and associates on matters pertaining to estate, charitable, executive benefit, and business planning. She does not practice law on behalf of National Life Group.
Meg possesses a J.D., an LL.M. in taxation, and a B.S. in Business Administration and related experience as an attorney in the financial services industry and in private practice. She was also an adjunct professor at Suffolk University Law School. She is a member of the State Bar of Massachusetts and is admitted to practice before the United States Supreme Court.
* Not practicing law on behalf of National Life Group, National Life Insurance Company, or Life Insurance Company of the Southwest.