Which statement about survivor benefits in Social Security is accurate?

Which statement about survivor benefits in Social Security is accurate?

• A. A fully insured deceased worker is the one whose dependents may be eligible for survivor benefits.
• B. No survivor benefits depend on the worker's insured status.
• C. Benefits are paid to the employer.
• D. Benefits are a retirement benefit.

Answer: (A)

Survivor benefits hinge on the worker’s insured status. When a worker is fully insured at death, dependents such as a spouse, children, or dependent parents may be eligible to receive survivor benefits. This reflects how Social Security ties benefits to the worker’s work record and eligibility, rather than to retirement status or to the employer. The payments go to the survivors, not to the employer, and they are distinct from retirement benefits.

Survivor benefits hinge on the worker’s insured status. When a worker is fully insured at death, dependents such as a spouse, children, or dependent parents may be eligible to receive survivor benefits. This reflects how Social Security ties benefits to the worker’s work record and eligibility, rather than to retirement status or to the employer. The payments go to the survivors, not to the employer, and they are distinct from retirement benefits.