Social Security Survivor Benefits Calculator

Estimate Social Security survivor benefits for a widow or widower and children, with early-claim reductions, the widow's limit and the 2026 family maximum.

Deceased's full retirement benefit (PIA) ($ per month)Use the SSA-confirmed PIA underlying survivor benefits, including any applicable reindexing, on the same dollar basis as the other amounts

SSA gross retirement amount after early or delayed claiming ($ per month)Use the current gross entitlement before Medicare, tax or withholding, including delayed credits. Ask SSA for the deemed-life amount if needed. Zero assumes no early reduction or delayed credits.

SSA-confirmed family maximum (optional) ($ per month)Use the maximum for this earnings record. Blank uses only the 2026 eligibility-year formula benchmark.

Surviving spouse

Surviving spouse's date of birth

Spouse's age when benefits start

Plus months (months)

Children under 18 (or 18–19 in high school)

This survivor benefits calculator models ordinary payments for an eligible spouse and minor or student children on one Social Security record. It applies age reductions, early-retirement limits and proportional family sharing. Enter SSA-confirmed amounts: this tool does not determine eligibility, reindex a deceased worker’s earnings or combine benefits from different records.

How to use this tool

Enter the survivor PIA and gross retirement entitlement, including delayed credits, before Medicare or withholding.
Enter the SSA family maximum; leave it blank only for a 2026 eligibility-year benchmark.
Choose the spouse category, birth date and claiming age in birthday-calendar months.
Count eligible children, including the child under 16 for a caring spouse.

Formula

Widow original benefit = PIA including applicable delayed retirement credits

Family sharing ratio = min(1, family maximum ÷ total original benefits)

Age reduction = 28.5% × months before survivor FRA ÷ months from 60 to FRA

Each child or caring spouse starts at 75% of PIA

Delayed credits enter before family sharing. Then round the spouse’s age-reduction amount up to a dime, subtract it and round the payment down to dollars. An early-claiming deceased worker can limit the widow payment to the larger of the gross retirement entitlement and 82.5% of PIA. First-day birthdays attain ages in the previous month. The fallback family maximum uses 2026 thresholds $1,643, $2,371 and $3,093 at 150%, 272%, 134% and 175%. Existing records need their actual eligibility-year maximum and COLAs.

Example

SSA’s example has a $400 PIA, $410 widow original benefit including delayed credits, a $300 child benefit and a $700 maximum. Multiply both original amounts by 700 ÷ 710. Shares become $404.20 and $295.70, before any widow age reduction. At survivor full retirement age, dollar payments are $404 and $295, totaling $699.

Frequently asked questions

When can a widow or widower claim?

Generally from 60, or 50 with qualifying disability. The maximum age reduction is 28.5%. A caring spouse may qualify regardless of age. Marriage, remarriage and insured-status rules also apply.

Does this add my own retirement benefit?

No. Dual entitlement, divorced spouses, dependent parents and disabled adult children need separate treatment and are outside this calculation.

Is the death payment automatic?

No. An eligible spouse or child may receive $255, generally after applying within two years. A spouse living elsewhere can sometimes qualify. The displayed amount is potential, not an eligibility decision.

Sources

This tool gives an estimate for general information only. It is not financial, tax, legal or medical advice — check with a qualified professional before you rely on the result.

Last updated: 2026