A good friend has asked me this question, and after looking at the SSA website, I'm not satisfied that I have a clear understanding. She is a widow in her late 50's, and is about to remarry. She has always worked, but never made very much money. She believes that her wages are not important as regards social security because she thinks she will receive the same benefit her deceased husband was receiving before his death. I see reference on the website to remarriage before age 60 causes one not to receive widow's benefits. Does this mean that she is giving up rights to the deceased spouse's benefit if she remarries before age 60? Also, even if you have your own earning record, do you automatically receive 100% of the deceased spouse's SS benefit, or the larger of your own or 50% of the deceased spouse's benefit? As she and her new husband will turn 65 before they have been married 10 years, would she be entitled to a benefit on his earnings (don't know how much money he's made, but assume more than her). Appreciate any input on this.