Survivor benefits are available to individuals who meet which of the following criteria?

Survivor benefits are designed to provide financial support to the eligible family members of a deceased worker who has paid into Social Security. The correct answer highlights that spouses or former spouses can qualify for these benefits under specific conditions.

Surviving spouses are entitled to receive the deceased worker's benefit if they were married for at least nine months prior to the worker's death, unless the death was accidental. Additionally, a former spouse can be eligible for survivor benefits if they were married to the deceased worker for at least ten years and have not remarried before age 60.

This ensures that a wide range of familial relationships—beyond just dependent children—are recognized in the Social Security system, allowing for adequate support to individuals who might depend on the benefits.

Understanding these criteria is crucial for advisors, as they help clarify the complex situations that may arise concerning eligibility for survivor benefits. The other options presented do not accurately encompass the full range of eligible recipients based on Federal guidelines, making this answer the most pertinent.