Yes, the surviving spouse may be able to access the deceased spouse's investments to cover mortgage costs, depending on various factors such as the type of investments, ownership structure, and any legal or administrative requirements. Here are some potential ways the surviving spouse can access the deceased spouse's investments:

1. **Joint Ownership**: If the investments were held jointly with rights of survivorship, the surviving spouse typically becomes the sole owner of the assets upon the deceased spouse's death. As the sole owner, the surviving spouse has the authority to access and manage the investments as needed to cover mortgage costs.

2. **Beneficiary Designations**: If the deceased spouse designated the surviving spouse as the beneficiary of investment accounts, such as brokerage accounts or retirement accounts, the surviving spouse may be able to access these assets directly without going through probate or other legal processes. They can then use the proceeds to cover mortgage costs.

3. **Probate Process**: If the investments are held solely in the deceased spouse's name and are subject to probate, the surviving spouse may need to go through the probate process to gain access to the assets. Once the assets are transferred to the surviving spouse's name or ownership, they can use them to cover mortgage costs.

4. **Trusts**: If the deceased spouse established a trust as part of their estate plan, the surviving spouse may be named as a beneficiary or successor trustee, allowing them to access trust assets to cover mortgage costs according to the terms of the trust.

5. **Financial Power of Attorney**: If the deceased spouse granted the surviving spouse financial power of attorney, the surviving spouse may have the authority to manage the deceased spouse's investments and use them to cover mortgage costs, subject to any limitations specified in the power of attorney document.

It's important for the surviving spouse to review the deceased spouse's investment accounts, consult with financial professionals or legal advisors as needed, and follow any applicable legal or administrative procedures to access and manage the investments effectively.

The surviving spouse's ability to access the deceased spouse's investments to cover mortgage costs depends on the specific circumstances and the legal framework governing the investments and the estate. Here are some possible scenarios:

1. Jointly owned investments: If the investments were jointly owned by both spouses, the surviving spouse may have immediate access to these assets and can use them to cover mortgage costs.

2. Beneficiary designations: If the deceased spouse named the surviving spouse as the beneficiary on investment accounts, such as life insurance policies, retirement accounts, or brokerage accounts, the surviving spouse can claim these assets and use them to cover mortgage costs.

3. Will or trust: If the deceased spouse left a will or trust that names the surviving spouse as the beneficiary or executor, the surviving spouse may need to go through the probate process to access the investments.

4. Community property: In community property states (Arizona, California, Idaho, Louisiana, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin), the surviving spouse may have a legal claim to half of the investments acquired during the marriage.

5. Probate or estate administration: If the deceased spouse's investments are part of their estate, the surviving spouse may need to wait until the probate process is complete before accessing these assets.

It's crucial for the surviving spouse to consult with a legal or financial advisor to understand their specific situation and the necessary steps to access the investments and cover mortgage costs.