Modernizing Social Security

Abstract

The brief's key findings are: (1) While the poverty status of widows has improved markedly, widows remain much more vulnerable than married couples. (2) One reason is that Social Security widow benefits have been declining — relative to the couple's benefit — due to the rising labor force activity of women. (3) In response, policy experts have proposed increasing the widow benefit, particularly for those with low to moderate incomes. (4) To cover the cost, they would reduce the spousal benefit, essentially shifting money from when both spouses are alive to when only one member is alive. (5) This policy appears to offer a well-targeted and fiscally responsible way to further reduce poverty for widows.