How this calculator works
When a worker dies, a widow or widower can receive a Social Security survivor benefit based on the deceased's record. Claimed at the survivor's full retirement age (FRA), it can equal 100% of what the deceased was receiving or was entitled to. It can start as early as 60 (50 if the survivor is disabled), but at a reduced rate. This calculator estimates the monthly amount for the age you choose.
The inputs. Enter the deceased's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA), which is their benefit at full retirement age, or the amount they were actually receiving. Tell the tool whether the deceased claimed early, and if so their actual benefit. Then enter your own birth year and the age at which you plan to claim survivor benefits, from 60 up to your FRA.
The formula.
- Age factor: 71.5% at 60, rising in equal monthly steps to 100% at your survivor FRA. With an FRA of 67, there are 84 months between 60 and FRA, so each month earlier than FRA reduces the benefit by 28.5% ÷ 84, about 0.339%.
- Base survivor amount = deceased's PIA × age factor.
- Widow(er) limit: if the deceased claimed early, the survivor's benefit cannot be more than the larger of (a) the deceased's actual benefit or (b) 82.5% of the deceased's PIA.
- Estimated benefit = the lower of the base survivor amount and that limit.
If the deceased waited past FRA and earned delayed credits, the survivor benefit at FRA includes those credits, which is one reason higher earners often delay claiming. The when to claim calculator can help couples think through that choice.
Worked example. Frank had a PIA of $2,000 but claimed at 62, so he received $1,400 a month. His widow Joan was born in 1962, giving her a survivor FRA of 67.
| Joan claims at | Base amount | Limit | Estimated benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 60 | 71.5% × $2,000 = $1,430 | $1,650 | $1,430 |
| 64 | about 87.79% × $2,000 = $1,755.71 | $1,650 | $1,650 |
| 67 (FRA) | 100% × $2,000 = $2,000 | $1,650 | $1,650 |
The limit is the larger of Frank's actual $1,400 and 82.5% × $2,000 = $1,650, so it is $1,650. At 64 Joan is 36 months before FRA: 36 × 0.339% is about 12.21%, so her factor is about 87.79%. Her base amount reaches the $1,650 limit (82.5% of $2,000) when she is about 51 months before FRA, so Joan gains nothing by waiting past roughly 62 and 9 months. Knowing this point can be worth thousands of dollars. Our survivor benefits guide covers eligibility, including for divorced spouses and children.
Limits of this estimate. The survivor FRA follows a slightly different schedule from the retirement FRA for some birth years, so confirm your exact date with SSA. The estimate does not cover benefits for children or dependent parents, the family maximum, disabled survivors aged 50 to 59, or the rules on remarriage, which can affect eligibility. If you also have your own retirement benefit, SSA pays the higher of the two, and you may be able to take one first and switch to the other later.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get both my own benefit and a survivor benefit?
Not in full. SSA pays your own benefit and adds enough from the survivor benefit to bring the total up to the higher amount. Some people take a reduced survivor benefit early and switch to their own larger benefit later, or the other way around.
Is there a one-time death payment?
Yes. A lump-sum death payment of $255 can be paid to an eligible surviving spouse or child. Contact SSA promptly after a death to apply, since there is a time limit.
Does the survivor benefit earn delayed credits if I wait past my FRA?
No. The survivor benefit reaches its maximum at your survivor FRA. Waiting longer does not increase it.
Can a divorced spouse receive survivor benefits?
Yes, generally if the marriage lasted at least 10 years. A divorced survivor's benefit does not reduce what the current widow or widower receives.
Sources
Want the full picture? Read our guide: Social Security Survivor Benefits: What Widows and Widowers Can Claim.
Read the guideThis calculator gives an estimate for educational purposes. Your actual amount is set by the agency that pays it. See our disclaimer and methodology.