Can beneficiaries receive Social Security benefits after the death of a worker?

Survivor benefits are a key component of the Social Security system, designed to provide financial support to the family members of deceased workers. When a spouse or dependent child of a worker who has earned sufficient work credits passes away, these eligible family members can receive benefits based on the worker's earnings record. This includes options like widow or widower's benefits, which are specifically intended to assist surviving spouses in managing financial obligations after the loss of their partner.

The existence of these survivor benefits reflects the social insurance intent of the Social Security program, which aims to ensure that families are supported during vulnerable times, specifically after the death of a primary earner. Eligibility criteria include factors such as relationship to the deceased worker and the worker’s Social Security contributions.

Thus, the possibility for survivors to receive benefits not only underscores the protective nature of Social Security but also conveys its role in providing security to families facing the financial repercussions of a loved one's passing.