Thanks to a 2.5% Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) for 2025, many eligible Social Security survivor beneficiaries—particularly aged widows and widowers—may receive a monthly direct deposit of $1,832. This increase reflects rising living costs and helps ensure that those who’ve lost a spouse maintain some financial stability.
If you’re receiving or planning to claim survivor benefits, here’s everything you need to know about the $1,832 direct deposit, including who qualifies, how it’s paid, and what steps to take if you’re not yet receiving benefits.
$1,832 Monthly Survivor Benefits in 2025: Who Gets It?
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Monthly Payment | $1,832 (up from $1,788 in 2024) |
| Reason for Increase | 2.5% COLA (Cost-of-Living Adjustment) |
| Eligible Recipients | Widows/widowers 60+, disabled survivors 50+, dependent parents 62+ |
| Payment Method | Direct deposit or Direct Express® card |
| April 2025 Dates | April 9, 16, or 23 (based on your birth date) |
| Tax Status | Taxable, depending on combined income |
| Official Info Source | ssa.gov |
This $1,832 figure represents the average monthly survivor benefit for those who qualify and have reached full retirement age (FRA).
Who Qualifies for the $1,832 Direct Deposit?
Not all survivors will receive this exact amount—it depends on multiple factors like your age, work history of the deceased, and the timing of your claim.
1. Aged Widow or Widower
- Must be 60 years or older (or 50 if disabled)
- Must have been married to the deceased for at least 9 months
- Benefit varies depending on whether you claim before or at FRA
2. Disabled Survivors
- Aged 50–59
- Must have developed a qualifying disability within 7 years of your spouse’s death
3. Dependent Parents
- Must be 62 or older
- Must have been financially dependent on the deceased worker
Children of Deceased
Children can receive survivor benefits but do not qualify for the $1,832 monthly amount. Their payments are typically lower and vary based on age and disability.
April 2025 Social Security Payment Schedule
Your payment date depends on your birth date (not the deceased’s).
| Birth Date Range | Payment Date (April 2025) |
|---|---|
| 1st – 10th | Wednesday, April 9 |
| 11th – 20th | Wednesday, April 16 |
| 21st – 31st | Wednesday, April 23 |
| SSI Recipients | Tuesday, April 1 |
Survivor benefits are paid monthly via direct deposit. You can manage or update your payment info by logging into My Social Security.
How COLA Affects Survivor Benefits
The 2.5% COLA for 2025 boosts all Social Security payments, including survivor benefits.
| Year | COLA Increase | Avg Survivor Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 8.7% | $1,704 |
| 2024 | 3.2% | $1,788 |
| 2025 | 2.5% | $1,832 |
Though smaller than 2023’s spike, the 2025 COLA helps counter inflation-driven price hikes in food, healthcare, rent, and transportation.
Is the $1,832 Benefit Taxable?
Yes, survivor benefits can be taxed based on your combined income:
| Filing Status | Taxable If Income Is Over |
|---|---|
| Individual | $25,000 |
| Married Filing Jointly | $32,000 |
Combined income = AGI (Adjusted Gross Income) + 50% of your SS benefits + tax-exempt interest
Up to 85% of your benefit may be taxable if you exceed these thresholds.
How to Apply for Survivor Benefits
If you haven’t applied for survivor benefits yet, follow these steps:
Step-by-Step Application Guide:
- Gather Documents:
- Death certificate
- Your birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- W-2 forms or self-employment tax return
- Contact SSA:
- Call 1-800-772-1213 or visit a local SSA office
- Apply Online:
- Wait for Approval:
- Most applications are processed in 30–60 days
Real-Life Example
Karen, aged 64, lost her husband who worked for 35 years and paid into Social Security. She waited until full retirement age to claim survivor benefits.
Her 2025 benefit: $1,832/month
If Karen had applied at age 60, she’d receive only 71.5%, or about $1,310/month—a nearly $6,000 annual difference.
Additional Considerations
| Program | Impact of Survivor Benefits |
|---|---|
| SSI | You may lose SSI if survivor benefits raise your income above SSI limits |
| SSDI | You cannot receive both full SSDI and survivor benefits simultaneously, but you can switch if one is higher |
| Medicare | Survivor benefits do not impact Medicare eligibility or premium costs |
Survivor benefits like the $1,832 monthly payment in 2025 are essential support for those who’ve lost a spouse. Understanding eligibility, timing, and tax implications can ensure you receive the maximum possible benefit. If you’re not yet claiming survivor benefits, take action today by gathering documents and contacting the SSA. Every month counts.
FAQs
Is everyone eligible for the $1,832 monthly benefit?
No. This is an average amount for full-age survivor beneficiaries. The actual amount varies by the deceased’s earnings and your claim age.
Can I switch from my Social Security retirement to survivor benefits?
Yes, if the survivor benefit is higher. You can switch or coordinate benefits strategically.
Do I need to reapply every year?
No. Once approved, survivor benefits continue automatically unless your circumstances change.
Can I receive both survivor and my own retirement benefits?
No, you’ll receive the higher of the two—not both full amounts.
