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A new proposal in Congress aims to significantly increase Social Security survivor benefits for widowed individuals and surviving divorced spouses—potentially reshaping financial support for millions.
Why the Proposal Matters
Survivor benefits are a crucial safety net for many Americans. Today, roughly 5.8 million people receive them, including nearly 4 million widowed individuals.
Current Rules
Under existing Social Security law:
- Certain survivors can collect benefits at any age, if they meet specific qualifications.
- However, benefits are reduced for those younger than age 62.
- Divorced spouses aged 60 or older (or 50–59 if disabled) may receive survivor benefits if their marriage lasted at least 10 years.
These limitations often reduce financial security for younger widowed or disabled spouses.
What the New Legislation Proposes
Several Democratic lawmakers introduced the Surviving Widow(er) Income Fair Treatment (SWIFT) Act in Congress this week. The bill aims to modernize outdated rules and provide fairer support for surviving spouses.
Key Changes in the SWIFT Act
- Full survivor benefits at any age for widowed and surviving divorced spouses with disabilities—removing the current age-based restrictions.
- Expanded child-in-care benefits for widowed parents raising children, offering additional financial help during caregiving years.
Lawmakers Behind the Proposal
The bill was introduced by:
- Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (NY)
- Sen. Richard Blumenthal (CT)
- Sen. Amy Klobuchar (MN)
- Sen. Patty Murray (WA)
- Sen. Bernie Sanders (VT – Independent)
This proposal comes alongside other recent Democratic initiatives focused on strengthening Social Security.
Additional Social Security Proposals Under Discussion
Lawmakers have floated several other measures to increase benefits:
- Social Security Emergency Inflation Relief Act
- Would add a $200 monthly increase to benefits through July 2026
- Boosting Benefits and COLAs for Seniors Act
- Would modify how annual COLA (cost-of-living adjustment) amounts are calculated to reflect real-life senior expenses more accurately
What Lawmakers Are Saying
Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand
“Our seniors worked their entire lives and paid into Social Security. They deserve fair, adequate benefits that allow them to retire with dignity. Outdated rules often harm widowed spouses—especially women. The SWIFT Act updates the system to strengthen benefits and ensure fairness.”
Sen. Richard Blumenthal
“The SWIFT Act removes unnecessary hurdles that prevent widows, widowers, and surviving divorced spouses from receiving the benefits they deserve. Social Security is a lifeline, and this proposal ensures no eligible American loses access due to obsolete restrictions.”
What Comes Next
The bill has now been formally introduced in the Senate and will move to the appropriate committee for review and discussion before any potential vote.
The SWIFT Act represents a major step toward modernizing Social Security survivor benefits. By eliminating age restrictions for disabled surviving spouses and expanding child-in-care benefits, the proposal aims to create a more equitable system for millions of Americans.
As it advances through Congress, the bill could play a pivotal role in improving financial stability for widows, widowers, and surviving divorced spouses who rely on Social Security as a vital source of income.