Survivor Benefits
How Delayed Retirement Credits Affect Survivor Benefits
Verified against SSA POMS as of September 8, 2026
The short answer
Delayed Retirement Credits (DRCs) earned by a worker can increase the survivor benefit available to a widow(er) or surviving divorced spouse. If the worker delayed retirement benefits beyond full retirement age and earned DRCs, those credits are included when determining the survivor benefit after the worker's death.
This means delaying retirement benefits can potentially provide a higher survivor benefit for a spouse after the worker dies.
See RS 00615.702 and RS 00615.708 for details
DRCs in Survivor Benefit Calculations
Delayed Retirement Credits are earned when a worker delays receiving retirement benefits after full retirement age, up to age 70.
When the worker dies, the DRCs they earned can be included in calculating the widow(er)'s survivor benefit. This applies whether the deceased worker:
- * Had already filed for retirement benefits and was receiving a benefit increased by DRCs; or
- * Died before filing but would have been entitled to DRCs based on delaying retirement benefits.
RS 00615.702 View source ›Surviving Divorced Spouse and DRCs
A surviving divorced spouse can also receive a survivor benefit increased by the deceased worker's DRCs.
A surviving divorced spouse's benefit is not subject to the family maximum. If both a widow(er) and a surviving divorced spouse qualify on the same deceased worker's record, each receives the full amount of the DRCs to which the deceased worker was entitled.
RS 00615.708 View source ›Family Maximum and DRCs
When multiple survivors receive benefits on the same worker's record, the family maximum can affect the amounts payable.
If a widow(er)'s benefit includes DRCs and the family maximum applies, SSA first calculates the widow(er)'s benefit including the DRCs and then distributes the family maximum among the eligible survivors. As a result, the benefits payable to the widow(er) and other survivors may be adjusted because of the family maximum.
A surviving divorced spouse is not included in this family-maximum calculation and does not reduce the benefits payable to other survivors.
RS 00615.710 View source ›RS 00615.708 View source ›Frequently asked
Did the deceased worker have to claim Social Security before death for DRCs to increase the survivor benefit?
No. DRCs can increase the widow(er)'s benefit if the deceased worker had already received a retirement benefit increased by DRCs or would have been entitled to a retirement benefit increased by DRCs if they had filed before death.
Can delayed retirement credits continue to be earned after the worker dies?
No. Delayed Retirement Credits do not continue to accrue after the worker’s death. The survivor benefit can include the DRCs the worker earned through the month before death, but no additional DRCs are earned after death. If the worker dies before filing for retirement benefits, the survivor can still receive the benefit of any DRCs the worker would have been entitled to based on delaying benefits before death.
If both a current surviving spouse and a surviving divorced spouse qualify, who receives the DRCs?
Both. When a widow(er) and surviving divorced spouse are entitled on the same deceased worker's record, each receives the full amount of the DRCs to which the deceased worker was entitled.
If a survivor claims before survivor full retirement age, do they still benefit from the deceased worker’s DRCs?
Yes, the deceased worker’s DRCs are included when determining the widow(er)’s benefit even if the survivor claims before survivor full retirement age. However, the survivor’s benefit is then reduced based on the survivor’s age when benefits begin.
Can a worker who claimed Social Security early later earn DRCs that affect survivor benefits?
Yes. A worker who claimed retirement benefits before FRA can later earn DRCs by suspending benefits after FRA. If the worker dies after earning DRCs, SSA considers both the worker's earlier reduction and subsequent DRCs when determining the survivor benefit.