I'm not sure that this is general knowledge, but Social Security has something called "Survivor Benefits". If you've lost a spouse, and that spouse is 'vested' in Social Security (basically worked / paid SS taxes for 10 years), there's a way for you to claim those benefits when you turn retirement age.

I'm not a financial advisor, but if you're bereaved, you should talk to one (my only claim is that I've read a book about Social Security).

Hope this helps someone...