What amount should I enter for the deceased’s benefit amount?

Question:

What amount should I enter for the deceased’s benefit amount for a widow case? The input says ‘spouses benefit amount’ and does not specify whether it’s the deceased’s PIA at FRA or another amount.

Answer:

It depends on when the death occurred (pre/post FRA) and if they filed before passing.

  • Filed prior to FRA: Larger of deceased reduced benefit or 82.5% of deceased PIA at FRA
  • Filed after FRA: Deceased benfit amount including delayed retirement credits before passing
  • Passed away prior to FRA: PIA of deceased
  • Passed away after FRA: Deceased benefit as if deceased elected on date of death including delayed retirement credits