Survivor Benefits Calculator

Use this calculator to estimate Social Security survivor benefits for a widow or widower.

What this calculator does

The survivor benefits calculator estimates the monthly survivor benefit at a chosen claiming age. It compares that amount with the survivor's own benefit.

It uses:

• deceased spouse benefit
• survivor current age
• survivor claiming age
• survivor own benefit

Survivor Benefits Formula

Survivor Benefit = Deceased Spouse Benefit × Survivor Claiming Factor

Where:

• Deceased Benefit = monthly benefit at death
• Claiming Factor = age-based survivor adjustment
• Own Benefit = survivor's own retirement benefit
• Actual Benefit = higher benefit available

Example calculation

If:

• Deceased spouse benefit = 2,600
• Survivor claims at FRA = 100%
• Survivor own benefit = 1,400
• Survivor benefit = 2,600

Then:

• Actual monthly benefit = 2,600
• Annual income = 31,200
• Own benefit is lower
• Survivor benefit is selected

The survivor receives 2,600 per month.

What is survivor benefit?

Survivor benefit is Social Security income available to certain widows, widowers, and dependents. It is based on the deceased worker's benefit record.

Why survivor benefits matter

• protects household income after death
• affects claiming strategy
• can replace a lower own benefit
• supports retirement income continuity

When to use this calculator

• estimating widow or widower benefits
• comparing own and survivor benefits
• planning claiming age
• reviewing household retirement income

Common mistakes

• assuming survivor and own benefits stack
• claiming early without checking reductions
• ignoring the deceased spouse benefit amount
• overlooking survivor claiming rules

Survivor benefit vs spousal benefit

Survivor benefit applies after a spouse dies. Spousal benefit applies while both spouses are alive.

Survivor benefits can reach 100% of the deceased spouse's benefit.

FAQs

What is survivor benefit?

It is Social Security income based on a deceased spouse's benefit record.

How do you calculate survivor benefit?

Multiply the deceased spouse benefit by the survivor claiming factor, then compare with the survivor's own benefit.

What is a good survivor benefit?

A good survivor benefit replaces as much lost household income as possible.

What is the difference between survivor and spousal benefits?

Survivor benefits apply after death. Spousal benefits apply while both spouses are alive.