Form SSA-4111. Certification of Election for Reduced Widow(er)'s and Surviving Divorced Spouse's Benefits

Form SSA-4111, the Certification of Election for Reduced Widow(er)'s and Surviving Divorced Spouse's Benefits, serves as a certification form for individuals who are eligible for widow(er)'s or surviving divorced spouse's benefits but choose to receive a reduced benefit amount. The main purpose of this form is to document an individual's choice to receive reduced benefits before reaching full retirement age.

For example, a widow or surviving divorced spouse may use this form to certify their decision to start receiving benefits before reaching full retirement age, even though the benefit amount will be reduced. The purpose is to ensure that the Social Security Administration (SSA) is aware of the individual's choice and processes their benefits accordingly.

The parties involved are the individual applying for reduced widow(er)'s or surviving divorced spouse's benefits and the SSA. The form typically consists of a section where the individual certifies their election for reduced benefits. It is important to consider the potential impact of reduced benefits on one's financial situation when filling out this form.