Advanced Diploma of Financial Planning (ADFP) Practice Test

If a worker has sufficient Social Security credits, who may receive benefits upon their death?

1. Only their spouse

2. Close friends

3. Certain family members

4. No one

The correct answer is: Certain family members

The correct answer is that certain family members may receive benefits upon the worker's death if they have sufficient Social Security credits. Social Security benefits are designed to provide financial support to beneficiaries after the worker has passed away. Eligible family members who can receive these benefits include widows, widowers, and dependent children of the deceased worker. This arrangement helps ensure that the financial burden is alleviated for those who may have relied on the worker's income for support. The benefits are a critical safety net for families affected by the loss of the primary wage earner. Understanding that only some relatives qualify for these benefits emphasizes the importance of knowing Social Security policies and the criteria for eligibility, as not all acquaintances or family members may qualify. For instance, while a spouse is certainly included, close friends and distant relatives are typically not eligible for benefits under the Social Security program.