The minimum sole survivor provisions that apply to non-Totalization claims also apply to Totalization claims.

If the pro rata primary insurance amount (PIA) is equal to or higher than the applicable regular minimum PIA, follow the rules in RS 00615.650.

If the pro rata PIA is lower than the applicable regular minimum PIA, the Totalization minimum sole survivor rate is the larger of:

• •

  the regular minimum sole survivor rate times the pro rata fraction, or

• •

  the original benefit amount based on the pro rata PIA.

A sole surviving spouse’s monthly benefit is equal to the pro rata PIA reduced for months of entitlement before full retirement age, subject to the retirement insurance benefit (RIB) limitation.