Social Security Survivor Benefit Calculator
Estimate potential Social Security survivor benefits based on the deceased worker's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA) and the survivor's relationship and age. This calculator provides an estimate and should not be considered a guarantee of benefits. Always consult the Social Security Administration (SSA) for precise figures.
This is the monthly benefit the deceased worker would have received at their Full Retirement Age (FRA). You can find this on their Social Security statement.
Used to determine the deceased worker's Full Retirement Age (FRA).
Used to determine the surviving spouse's Full Retirement Age (FRA).
Understanding Social Security Survivor Benefits
Social Security survivor benefits provide a financial safety net for the families of workers who have passed away. When a worker dies, certain family members may be eligible to receive monthly benefits based on the deceased worker's earnings record. These benefits are a crucial part of Social Security's comprehensive protection.
Who is Eligible for Survivor Benefits?
Generally, the following family members may be eligible:
- Surviving Spouse:
- At full retirement age (FRA) or older: Can receive 100% of the deceased worker's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA).
- Aged 60 or older (but not yet FRA): Can receive a reduced benefit (as early as age 60, or age 50 if disabled).
- Any age, if caring for the deceased's child who is under age 16 or disabled: Can receive 75% of the deceased worker's PIA (known as a "Mother's" or "Father's" benefit).
- Divorced spouses may also be eligible under certain conditions.
- Surviving Children:
- Unmarried children under age 18 (or up to age 19 if a full-time elementary or secondary student).
- Unmarried children age 18 or older who were disabled before age 22.
- Each eligible child can receive 75% of the deceased worker's PIA.
- Dependent Parents:
- Parents aged 62 or older who were dependent on the deceased worker for at least half of their support.
- One dependent parent can receive 82.5% of the deceased worker's PIA.
- If two dependent parents are eligible, each can receive 75% of the deceased worker's PIA.
How are Benefits Calculated?
The amount of survivor benefits is primarily based on the deceased worker's Primary Insurance Amount (PIA). The PIA is the monthly benefit the deceased worker would have received if they had claimed benefits at their Full Retirement Age (FRA). The higher the deceased worker's lifetime earnings, the higher their PIA, and thus, the higher the potential survivor benefits.
The specific percentage of the PIA that a survivor receives depends on their relationship to the deceased, their age, and other factors (like caring for a child).
Full Retirement Age (FRA) for Survivor Benefits
Your Full Retirement Age (FRA) for survivor benefits is determined by your birth year. Claiming benefits before your FRA will result in a permanent reduction in your monthly payment, unless you are caring for a child under 16 or disabled.
FRA Schedule:
- Born 1937 or earlier: 65
- Born 1938: 65 and 2 months
- Born 1939: 65 and 4 months
- Born 1940: 65 and 6 months
- Born 1941: 65 and 8 months
- Born 1942: 65 and 10 months
- Born 1943-1954: 66
- Born 1955: 66 and 2 months
- Born 1956: 66 and 4 months
- Born 1957: 66 and 6 months
- Born 1958: 66 and 8 months
- Born 1959: 66 and 10 months
- Born 1960 or later: 67
Family Maximum Benefit
There is a limit to the total amount of benefits that can be paid to a family based on one worker's earnings record. This is called the "family maximum benefit." If the sum of individual benefits for all eligible family members exceeds this maximum, each individual's benefit will be proportionately reduced until the total reaches the family maximum. The family maximum is typically between 150% and 188% of the deceased worker's PIA.
Important Considerations
- Earnings Test: If you are under your own Full Retirement Age and receive survivor benefits while working, your benefits may be reduced if your earnings exceed certain limits.
- Remarriage: Remarrying before age 60 (or age 50 if disabled) generally terminates eligibility for survivor benefits as a spouse. Remarrying after age 60 (or age 50 if disabled) does not affect eligibility.
- Other Benefits: If you are eligible for more than one type of Social Security benefit (e.g., your own retirement benefit and a survivor benefit), you will generally receive the higher of the two amounts.
This calculator provides an estimate for individual benefits. The actual amount you receive may be affected by the family maximum, earnings tests, or other factors. For a personalized and accurate assessment of your Social Security survivor benefits, it is always best to contact the Social Security Administration directly.