Compassionate, one-on-one guidance to help widows, children, and families secure the Social Security survivor benefits they’re entitled to.
Survivor benefits are monthly payments provided by Social Security to eligible family members of a deceased worker. These include:
These benefits offer essential income support during difficult times.
If your spouse or ex-spouse has passed away, you may be eligible to receive up to 100% of their Social Security benefit. However, if you claim early (as early as age 60, or 50 if disabled), the benefit amount is reduced.
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If your spouse claimed Social Security early and passed away, your benefit may be capped by the Widow’s Limit. This rule ensures you receive the greater of:
82.5% of your spouse’s Full Retirement Age benefit, or
The actual benefit amount they were receiving
This rule protects spouses from steep reductions if the deceased took early benefits.
If you are a disabled widow or widower aged 50–59, you may qualify for Disabled Widow(er)’s Benefits (DWB)—but only if:
You became disabled within 7 years of your spouse’s death
You meet SSA’s disability definition
You’ll receive a reduced benefit amount, but it provides vital support if you can’t work.
If you’re an eligible spouse or child, you may receive a one-time lump-sum payment of $255 after your loved one’s death. You must apply within two years of the death to receive this payment.
Below is a guide to how the Social Security Administration (SSA) determines Widow(er)’s Insurance Benefits (WIB) based on the widow(er)’s age, the Deceased Number Holder’s (DNH) benefit status, and applicable reductions or credits.
Key Terms:
RIB: Retirement Insurance Benefits
WIB: Widow(er)’s Insurance Benefits
DNH: Deceased Number Holder
PIA: Primary Insurance Amount
Widow(er) at Full Retirement Age (FRA) or Older – DNH Not Entitled to Reduced RIB:
WIB is 100% of the PIA, plus any applicable Delayed Retirement Credits (DRCs).
Widow(er) at FRA or Older – DNH Drew Reduced RIB:
WIB is the higher of:
The DNH’s RIB as if they were still alive, or
82.5% of the DNH’s PIA.
Widow(er) Under FRA – DNH Not Entitled to Reduced RIB:
WIB is reduced according to SSA’s reduction formula for early claiming.
Widow(er) Under FRA – DNH Entitled to Reduced RIB:
SSA calculates three amounts:
Reduced WIB
82.5% of the DNH’s PIA
The DNH’s RIB as if still alive
SSA identifies the lowest, middle, and highest figures:
If the reduced WIB is the lowest or middle amount, SSA pays the reduced WIB.
If not, SSA pays the middle figure.
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