This variable provides the monthly amount of widowed spouse benefits received by the individual. Benefit amounts are calculated based on the worker's average indexed monthly earnings (AIME). See the Social Security Annual Statistical Supplement for details on how benefit calculations are performed. This benefit amount is the total amount paid in the first month of widowed spouse benefits receipt. If the respondent was dually entitled in this month, this benefit amount reflects the total payment made (i.e. the sum of the amounts due to each type of benefit). For example if a person received own and widowed spouse retirement benefits, this benefit amount would be the sum of those two benefits.