Which of the following benefits may be available under Social Security to the survivors of a covered worker?
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Answer & full 3-part explanation (select an option above, or peek)
Why A is correct
Social Security survivor benefits include monthly income to eligible survivors, such as a widow or widower caring for a child under age 16, the worker's children, and in some cases dependent parents. A small lump-sum death payment is also available. Survivor benefits are the Social Security counterpart that life insurance agents often discuss when comparing private coverage with the federal safety net, and the eligibility of each survivor class is based on the worker's earnings record and credits. Survivor benefit amounts are computed from the worker's average indexed earnings and adjusted for the family maximum.
Why the other options are wrong
- B) The Social Security lump-sum death payment is a small fixed statutory amount, not the full value of a private life insurance policy. Eligibility for each survivor class is measured against the worker's credits and earnings record.
- C) Disability benefits are paid to disabled workers and certain dependents under strict eligibility rules, not to every dependent regardless of age. The lump sum is a fixed statutory amount that does not vary with the face amount of insurance.
- D) Retirement benefits are paid according to the worker's and survivor's ages and eligibility; they are not automatic at the worker's death. Disability benefits follow strict definitions and eligibility rules tied to the disabled worker's record.
Memory hook
Survivor checks help the spouse with young kids; the death lump sum is modest, not a life policy payout.