The Surviving Widow(er) Income Fair Treatment Act of 2023, or the SWIFT Act, aims to expand and increase Social Security survivor benefits for widows, widowers, and surviving divorced spouses of deceased workers. It would make these benefits available to disabled individuals at any age, rather than the current 50-60 age range, and raise the age limit for determining if a beneficiary has a child in their care from 16 to 18 (or 19 if the child is a full-time student).
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
The Surviving Widow(er) Income Fair Treatment Act of 2023, or the SWIFT Act, aims to expand and increase Social Security survivor benefits for widows, widowers, and surviving divorced spouses of deceased workers. It would make these benefits available to disabled individuals at any age, rather than the current 50-60 age range, and raise the age limit for determining if a beneficiary has a child in their care from 16 to 18 (or 19 if the child is a full-time student).
Last updated: 12/29/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><b>Surviving Widow(er) Income Fair Treatment Act of 2023 or the SWIFT Act</b></p> <p>This bill modifies eligibility requirements and increases Social Security survivor benefits for widows, widowers, and surviving divorced spouses of a deceased worker.</p> <p>Specifically, the bill makes widow and widower's benefits available to disabled individuals at any age, whereas currently the benefits are limited to such individuals between ages 50 to 60. In addition, provisions reducing benefits in various instances, such as when a beneficiary is entitled to multiple types of benefits, shall not apply to widow and widower's benefits for individuals with disabilities. <p>Additionally, the bill raises the upper age limit for determining whether a beneficiary has a child in his or her care from 16 to 18 years (or 19, if the child is a full-time elementary or secondary school student). An individual with a child in care may receive increased benefits in specified instances. <p>The bill also increases various limits on widow and widower's benefits in certain instances and modifies the calculation for increased benefits for individuals who choose to delay receiving such benefits.</p> <p>For current beneficiaries, increases in Social Security benefits under this bill shall not affect the beneficiary's eligibility or benefit amount for any federal assistance program.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Expands eligibility for widow and widower's benefits to disabled individuals of any age, rather than the current 50-60 age range
Raises the age limit for determining if a beneficiary has a child in their care from 16 to 18 (or 19 if the child is a full-time student)
Increases various limits on widow and widower's benefits in certain instances
Modifies the calculation for increased benefits for individuals who choose to delay receiving such benefits
Ensures increases in Social Security benefits under this bill do not affect the beneficiary's eligibility or benefit amount for any federal assistance program
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
If this bill becomes law, it would positively impact widows, widowers, and surviving divorced spouses of deceased workers, particularly those with disabilities. It would provide them with expanded access to increased Social Security survivor benefits, helping to support their financial security and well-being. The changes could make a meaningful difference in the lives of these vulnerable individuals and their families.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Social Welfare
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
2741, 119th Congress (2025). "Legacy Mine Cleanup Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-s-2741
