Survivor Benefits Calculator | Estimate Your Social Security Benefits

Survivor Benefits Calculator

Estimate Social Security survivor benefits to help with financial planning after the loss of a loved one

Enter Your Information

Deceased's Annual Income:

Deceased's Age at Passing:

Survivor's Current Age:

Relationship to Deceased:

Is Survivor Disabled?

Number of Eligible Children:

Your Benefit Estimate

Monthly Survivor Benefit: $0.00

Annual Benefit: $0.00

Family Maximum: $0.00

Eligibility Status: Not Calculated

Understanding Survivor Benefits

Social Security survivor benefits provide financial protection to families when a wage earner passes away. These benefits can help replace lost income and ensure financial stability during difficult times.

Who Is Eligible for Survivor Benefits?

Several categories of individuals may be eligible for survivor benefits:

Widows and widowers age 60 or older (50 if disabled)
Widows and widowers of any age caring for the deceased's child under 16 or disabled
Unmarried children of the deceased who are under 18 (or up to 19 if still in high school)
Dependent parents age 62 or older
Divorced spouses under certain circumstances

How Are Benefits Calculated?

The amount of survivor benefits is based on the deceased worker's lifetime earnings. The more they paid into Social Security, the higher the benefits will be. The percentage of the deceased's benefit that survivors receive depends on their relationship and age:

Widows or widowers at full retirement age typically receive 100% of the deceased's benefit amount
Widows or widowers between age 60 and full retirement age receive 71-99%
Children typically receive 75% of the deceased's benefit

Important Considerations

There's a limit to the amount that can be paid to a family each month, typically between 150-180% of the deceased's basic benefit amount. If you're eligible for retirement benefits based on your own earnings record, you have the option to switch to your own benefits as early as age 62.

How to Apply for Survivor Benefits

You must apply for survivor benefits by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213. You cannot apply online for these benefits. You'll need to provide documentation including:

Proof of death (death certificate)
Your Social Security number and the deceased's
Your birth certificate
Marriage certificate if applying as a widow/widower
Divorce papers if applying as a divorced spouse
Dependent children's Social Security numbers and birth certificates
Deceased's W-2 forms or tax returns from the previous year

Frequently Asked Questions

How to qualify for Social Security survivor benefits?

To qualify, the deceased must have worked long enough under Social Security to be insured, and you must meet the relationship criteria (spouse, child, or dependent parent) and age requirements.

How to calculate survivor benefits amount?

The amount is based on the deceased's earnings history and your relationship to them. Use our calculator above to get an estimate based on your specific situation.

How to apply for survivor benefits if living overseas?

You can contact the nearest U.S. Social Security Administration office, U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance with your application.

How to maximize Social Security survivor benefits?

Timing is crucial. Waiting until full retirement age typically results in higher monthly benefits, though individual circumstances may vary.

How to report a death to Social Security?

Typically, the funeral home will report the death to Social Security if you provide them with the deceased's Social Security number. Otherwise, you can call 1-800-772-1213 to report it.

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