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.